Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would have raised this matter yesterday, but I am conscious that we are only supposed to raise one issue on the Order of Business. Yesterday, the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland policy group on alcohol called for the introduction of minimum pricing as a matter of urgency along with other key measures to tackle alcohol marketing and availability. While the level of alcohol consumption has dropped, very harmful levels are still being consumed. Binge drinking means that people are consuming greater amounts on one occasion. Even though the statistics reflect an overall reduction, it is clear that people are drinking in a harmful way. We have discussed many measures, including the segregation of off-licences from supermarkets and shops, the introduction of minimum pricing and the phased withdrawal of alcohol sponsorship of arts and sporting events. When the Minister of State, Deputy White, came to the House previously to discuss the issue, he had just taken up his ministerial position. It would be timely to invite him the House again to discuss the strategy to address our unhealthy relationship with alcohol.