John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)

I commend the progress the Government has made in public health over recent years, leading the way with many global initiatives. Alcohol labelling is a welcome initiative but I have concerns around the timing of its implementation. From a domestic perspective, there is growing uncontrollable uncertainty regarding global trade, and the Irish whiskey sector has found itself in the eye of the storm. Tullamore D.E.W. in my constituency employs almost 100 people and the whiskey sector throughout the country has seen considerable growth and employment in recent years, particularly in rural areas. In the best interests of providing certainty to the sector, will the Government commit to deferring the introduction of alcohol labelling and, if so, for how many years? When will the Government be in a position to make a final decision and announcement?

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