Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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133. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will examine measures (details supplied) regarding the excise duty on alcohol here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28128/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the consumption of alcohol can have negative social and public health implications as well as economic costs.  It is for this reason that excise duty is levied on alcohol products to account for these externalities.  

It is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.