Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Clendennen. I, too, am very proud of the progress we have made on public health. We have much more work to do. There is a legitimate issue of timing when it comes to labelling. My colleague, the Minister, Deputy Heydon, has shared economic concerns relating to the policy due to the uncertain trading environment, which has been raised with him by many colleagues trying to do their business internationally. The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has competitiveness concerns. As the Minister with responsibility for trade, I, too, have concerns regarding the current trade and tariffs environment we are navigating our way through. The Minister for Health is committed to working with all of her colleagues across the Government to find a resolution to this. We are very proud of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act but we will make a decision in the coming weeks on the timing of the labels. I personally believe a deferral will be required.

See this speech in context