Written answers

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Photo of James BannonJames Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to increase duty on the higher alcohol products like spirits and on non-returnable long drinks, especially cans, which are sold predominately in the off-licence trade where there is no control on the amount that can be consumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1473/13]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that EU Directive 92/93, which governs the structure of alcohol taxation, requires that such taxes are applied by reference to the nature and strength of the product rather than the means of packaging or the type of premises in which the product is sold.

As I am sure the Deputy is aware I received a large number of pre-Budget submissions including a proposal for the introduction of a lid-on levy from vintners’ organisations. Preliminary advice suggests that the proposal may not be consistent with the EU Directive concerning the general arrangements for excise duty on alcohol products.

A National Substance Misuse Strategy was established in 2009. Its report in 2012 made recommendations in relation to the development of policy to deal with a wide range of key issues relating to the supply, pricing, availability and marketing of alcohol – including the question of a minimum price for alcohol - along with measures for the policy areas of prevention strategies, treatment, rehabilitation and substance dependency, research and information. Those issues are being dealt with by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mr Alex White TD.

In the EU, Ireland has the highest tax rate for sparkling wine, the third highest for still wine and fourth highest for beer and spirits.

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