Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 689: To ask the Minister for Health if there are any plans for reducing the alcohol content in alcoholic drinks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10916/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The report of the National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group was published on 7 February last; and this recognises that while individuals are primarily responsible for their own behaviour, the State has a responsibility to foster the well being of its citizens - in addition to declaring that alcohol related harm increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.

The alcohol content in alcoholic drinks produced by manufacturers is largely a function of market forces such as supply and demand; but of relevance to the Deputy's question is that at the outset, the Steering Group recommended that the low-risk weekly consumption guidelines of pure alcohol should be 168 grams and 112 grams for men and women respectively ( the Irish standard drink is calculated at 10 grams); and that alcohol products should be labelled with calorific content, weight of alcohol content, and health warnings on drinking during pregnancy.

Furthermore the Steering Group also recommended that excise duty rates on higher alcohol content products should be maintained at a higher rate than those on lower alcohol products to discourage consumption of higher alcohol content beverages.

These recommendations of the Steering Group - including those above that are related to the alcohol content in alcoholic drinks - are encouraging public debate and I envisage an Action Plan being developed in advance of proposals being drafted for Government later this year.