Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Early analysis of the introduction of minimum unit pricing in Scotland shows that the policy is successful in targeting harmful drinking. Scotland introduced minimum pricing in May 2018. Subsequent to its introduction, alcohol consumption figures there were at their lowest rate for 25 years.

We have an alcohol issue in this country. Alcohol consumption in Ireland almost trebled over the four decades between 1960 and 2000, from 4.9 l to 12.1 l of pure alcohol per capitaaged over 15 years. That dramatic rise came about because alcohol became more affordable and widely available. Our current consumption is down to 11 l. We wish to get it down to 9.1 l. We have not reached the target of a decrease of more than 21%. We wish to get it down to 9.1 l by 2020. Analysis published in the British Medical Journalin 2019 found the introduction of minimum unit pricing has led to a 7.6% decrease in purchased grammes of alcohol per adult per household. It also concluded that minimum unit pricing has a targeted effect on those who purchase the most alcohol and that the reductions in purchased alcohol occurred in the households that bought the most alcohol.

I and my Department believe that a minimum unit pricing policy would be most effective if we work together with our colleagues in Northern Ireland such that both jurisdictions introduce the policy simultaneously. If we proceed with the policy unilaterally, we risk undermining its effectiveness by continuing to provide consumers with the option to avoid minimum unit pricing by crossing the Border to access cheaper alcohol. We are committed to the introduction of minimum unit pricing, as set out in the programme for Government, and I very much look forward to implementing the policy when the conditions are in place for it to be effective.

Another aspect worth noting of the introduction of the measure in Scotland is that deaths in Glasgow related to alcohol reduced by 20%, which is staggering. We have a major fight on our hands. I wish to thank the representatives of Alcohol Action Ireland, whom I have met, and many other stakeholders. We are committed and united in tackling this issue.

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