Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

After 1,000 days of people discussing this I intend to be brief on Report Stage. Deputy O'Reilly is entirely correct that the amendment is very sensible. The Bill already provides in section 11(5) that the Minister should have regard to health-related risks and other societal harms caused by alcohol consumption when determining changes to minimum unit pricing. We have a variety of systems, including the hospital in-patient enquiry, HIPE, system, National Self-Harm Registry Ireland and the Health Research Board, which can assist in this, as well as the Healthy Ireland survey but the Deputy is entirely correct to highlight this issue. Alcohol and alcohol-related disease constitute a massive burden on the Irish health service, let alone a massive burden on Irish families and communities throughout the country. The amendment is sensible and it would be helpful. I propose to accept it.

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