Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to alcohol, we are the only country in the EU that has brought in labelling regulation, which is to inform people and raise awareness around the harmful effect of alcohol by informing consumers of the content and the health risks associated with it. We are leading the way in that regard but if further legislation is required, we always have to be open to that and wait for the evidence. We have certainly stepped ahead compared to other European countries.

With regard to the broadcast watershed, on 13 November last year, the Minister for Health commenced the provision in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, section 19 of which restricts the hours permitted for advertising alcohol products on television and radio to reduce children's exposure to alcohol advertisements. The provision will come into operation on 10 January 2025. The measures on labelling and the broadcast watershed are two measures that are actually coming.