Thomas Gould
Ceist:2834. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the intended timeline for implementation of sections 12, 13 and 18 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018. [39337/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 27 July 2021
Ceisteanna (2834, 2835)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:2835. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the full implementation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018. [39338/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2834 and 2835 together.
Of the 31 sections of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, there remain five substantive provisions that have yet to be commenced. Work on commencing the Act was halted in 2020 due to the pandemic and the drafting of legislation continues to be delayed due to pandemic related law taking precedence.
Section 4 of the Act relating to the grant or renewal of an intoxicating liquor licence requires the cooperation of the Courts Service and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and section 19 on a broadcast watershed relates to the work of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland as well as the Environmental Health Service. My Department is working with these bodies to finalise arrangements for the enforcement of these sections.
Sections 12 and 13 on labelling and advertising require regulations which must be submitted at EU level for assessment of their alignment with Single Market principles. Work on the drafting of those regulations was suspended both in the Office of the Attorney General and in my Department due to the pandemic.
Section 18 on advertisements in publications can be commenced only after section 13 is finalised.
Question No. 2835 answered with Question No. 2834.