Professor Frank Murray:

We have not carried out direct research on that but I can tell the Deputy the answer. We are suggesting a minimum unit price and an increase in excise duties. A minimum unit price is based on units of alcohol or grams of alcohol, which I think is the new rating, so the more potent drinks will feel the effect more. Unfortunately, a woman in Ireland can reach her maximum safe limit or low-risk limits, to use the correct term, for €6.30 per week and a man can reach his for less than €10 per week. That is very cheap. Many people are spending far more than that harming themselves. The advantage of these tax structures is that they are focused on the alcohol content so it really would serve the function the Deputy is describing.