Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to be associated with those remarks and to offer my condolences and those of the Government to the Labour Party, Labour Youth and the wider Labour family on the loss of Cormac Ó Braonáin following a tragic accident. It must be an impossible time for his family and friends, particularly at this time of year. Some of those who attended the vigil that was held the other day told me that it was a very moving experience. I extend my condolences to everyone who knew him.

Some elements of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015, which is now the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, have been enacted, particularly those relating to advertising and promotions. A key element of the legislation relating to minimum unit pricing has not yet been enacted. The Government's policy is to implement the relevant provisions at the same time as similar provisions are implemented in Northern Ireland. We do not want to encourage cross-Border purchases of alcohol. If people are crossing the Border to buy cheap alcohol, this measure will not work economically or in public health terms. Talks with the Northern Ireland parties are now under way. We would like a date for the introduction of minimum unit pricing in Northern Ireland to be part of any agreement among the parties there. We could then agree to do it on the same date. We cannot wait forever. If it does not prove possible to adopt the approach I have set out, we may need to go ahead with the introduction of minimum unit pricing unilaterally. We would have to bear in mind the consequences of such a decision.

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