Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Finance the basis on which the projected loss of €90 million to the Exchequer in 2010 and in subsequent years arising from the reduction in excise duty on alcohol in budget 2010, as outlined in the summary of budget measures published on 9 December 2009, was calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11238/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The cost of the reductions in excise duty announced in the Budget on alcohol products is estimated at approximately €90 million in a full year, when account is taken of the expected change in where alcohol products are sourced. As stated in the Budget the measure was introduced to protect revenue flows and to tackle the phenomenon of cross-border shopping. Following the reductions in excise duty Ireland still remains one of the countries with high excise duty rates on alcohol products along with Finland, Sweden and the UK.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Finance the progress made to date on the implementation of the commitment in the 2007 programme for Government to use the taxation system to promote non-alcoholic and low alcoholic products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11239/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware the excise duty on low alcohol beer and cider was reduced in Budget 2009 to 50% of the standard excise duty for both beer and cider products with an alcohol by volume content of 2.8% or less. This change was introduced in order to encourage the consumption of lower strength products. The Government continually looks at the use of the taxation system to promote non alcoholic and low alcoholic products, where appropriate.