Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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53. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider reducing alcohol excise tax by 7.5% in order to protect jobs in the hospitality sector and prevent Ireland being exposed to an increased negative impact by Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41282/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The excise rates on alcohol were last increased in in 2014 in spite of the growth in the economy since then. Consequently, excise duty as a proportion of the average price of alcohol products sold in the on-trade has generally reduced in recent years There are consequential health and societal costs associated with the consumption of alcohol products. To reduce the rate of excise duty at this time would send the wrong signal, particularly in the light of the content relating to public health in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill recently signed into law.

However, In Budget 2020, among the provisions for minimising the negative effects of Brexit, I have set aside €40m for the tourism sector which will have a positive effect on the hospitality industry.