Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

749. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding alcohol-related harm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37831/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Alcohol related harm is a major public health concern. Alcohol is causing significant damage across the population, in workplaces and to children in families. It also carries a substantial burden to all in Irish society. The General Scheme of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill was approved by Government on the 3 February 2015. The Scheme includes provisions for minimum unit pricing, health labelling on products that contain alcohol, restrictions on the advertising and marketing of alcohol and the regulation of sports sponsorship. The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill will also provide for the making of regulations to restrict promotions including price based promotions. As part of the pre-legislative scrutiny process, the measures were debated in detail by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children. The JOCH report was published in June 2015. The Department of Health is continuing to work on the preparation of the legislation. The Bill is due to be published shortly.