Latest news with #PublicHealth(Alcohol)Act
Irish Independent
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Letters: We lost our son to suicide with alcohol a contributing factor and now the review of health warnings on alcohol is a kick in the face for us
The coroner allowed me to address the court and, as a result, our views on alcohol received a lot of media attention. Our views were that it was too cheap, too available and the country was saturated with advertisements for it. We gave our support to the passing of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill. Then health minister Simon Harris thanked my wife and I publicly for our input into getting the bill passed. At the time, I had great respect for Mr Harris and his unwavering determination to take on the alcohol industry. In the past few weeks, something really strange happened. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe called for the introduction of health warning labels on alcohol, which were due to become law in May 2026, to be examined again. His reason was with new US tariffs the labelling would be detrimental to the alcohol industry. Shortly afterwards, Mr Harris backed him on his stance. To say we are disappointed is an understatement. I find it hard to understand why a man who fought such a sterling battle against the alcohol industry has now become a traitor to what we fought for. Some might think these are harsh words, but when you consider the time and effort so many people and organisations put into the passage of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act and the unrelenting concentrated efforts by the alcohol industry to derail the passage of the bill, I think these words are justified. To try and reverse something he was instrumental in passing is beyond belief. Mr Harris, your words of praise for us are now meaningless and I'm sure the alcohol industry is clapping its hands with glee. John Higgins, Ballina, Co Mayo Artists must be free to express themselves Madam — Eilis O'Hanlon describes how rap group Kneecap refuse to explain why they consider their actions to be taken out of context. But it is important to remember that these are not the actions of politicians, but of artists in the context of performative art. Art is free to be interpreted by the consumer and evaluated and scrutinised by the spectator, but there is a great beauty in the fact that artists are not obliged to explain the meaning behind their work. ADVERTISEMENT Pablo Picasso carried a pistol loaded with blanks and shot anyone who dared ask such questions. When his masterpiece Guernica was painted, he was labelled a degenerate by critics as it drew attention to violent atrocities — yet he remains one of the most significant artists in modern history. Art serves as a lens through which the creator's own reality is reflected. It is a vehicle for raw human expression; it is used to explore trauma and freely critique society. WB Yeats himself wondered if his plays led to men getting shot. Yet his works are still studied in universities. Certain people will find Kneecap's performances disturbing or their words disgusting. They may think their existence abhorrent and their ideas dangerous, and they are entitled to do so. But much like the bells of Guernica ringing in solidarity with Gaza, for some, it is welcome music to their ears. There are those who would consider the work degenerate and others who would consider it exquisite. Either way, their work resonates on a deep level and isn't that, in itself, fine art? Elliot McCarthy, Tower Street, Cork Focus must stay on Gaza — not Kneecap Madam — Eilis O'Hanlon is on shaky ground when she criticises Kneecap ('Our politicians should take a stand and stop tip-toeing around Kneecap', May 4). As a columnist in another newspaper says: 'Punk and hip-hop bands have been singing about killing queens and presidents for decades.' Kneecap are not the story. The appalling loss of life in Gaza, almost all of it inflicted from the air on defenceless people — including journalists and medical personnel — is. It must remain our unrelenting focus. Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry Have we abandoned the Palestinians? Madam — The genocide in Gaza is now beyond catastrophic. The warnings by Dr Michael Ryan of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Peter Power of Unicef and UN secretary general Antonio Guterres are being ignored by our Government and the so-called international community, who have abandoned the Palestinian people, and ignored their own responsibilities towards the proper rule of international and humanitarian laws. The UN has been rendered powerless by abuses of the powers of veto. Ireland has failed to effectively use its membership of the UN and EU to advocate on behalf of the Palestinian people and to uphold international humanitarian laws. Our Government's plans to remove the triple lock undermines the role of the UN, and it is failing to process the Occupied Territories Bill in a timely manner. This genocide must be ended and all those responsible for it, or complicit in it, must be held to account as soon as possible, otherwise humanity is in danger as the rule of brutal force replaces the proper rule of law. Edward Horgan, Castletroy, Limerick You can never fight hatred with hatred Madam — It was very impressive to hear a recent radio interview with the compassionate army chaplain who forgave the young man who attacked him with a knife at Renmore Barracks in Galway. Fr Paul Murphy has a clear message: 'We have to combat hatred with reconciliation and not with more hatred.' If this message could in some way be adopted by leaders in the Middle East, surely we would see a rapid end to the unspeakable suffering of the people of Gaza, who are besieged without food, water or a safe place for themselves or their children to lay their heads. Eamon Fitzpatrick, Strandhill Road, Sligo GAA should bow to ladies over skorts Madam — I am not far from thinking that our Gaelic games organisations are trying their best to self-destruct, what with allowing swarm-tackling and excessive hand-passing in football, throwing the sliotar in hurling, playing too many games in close proximity and too early in the year — and now, to add a bit of unnecessary commotion, the wish to inform the ladies of their superior knowledge of skorts. Michael Teehan, Moyglass, Co Tipperary Players must decide on what they wear Madam — It's almost unbelievable that in a modern, developed, civilised country, young women are being barred from wearing shorts while playing camogie. Well done to every one of the players, who give their time and effort to compete and entertain. They themselves know what gear is most suitable, comfortable and safe. They themselves must be allowed to decide. Margaret Walshe, Dublin 15 Faith has not gone away, you know Madam — In response to David Quinn's assertion that liberalising the Catholic Church will not revive it, I propose that 'revival' may not be the most appropriate metric for assessing religious vitality — particularly if measured solely by church attendance or the number of converts in Africa ('Making the Catholic Church more liberal will not revive it', May 4). Western Christianity may no longer fill pews as it once did, but that does not signify the disappearance of religion. In the 1950s, 10-pin bowling was the most popular team sport in the US. While it may not hold that title today, it remains that nation's top participatory sport, with over 67 million people bowling at least once per year. Similarly, people may be less involved in formal, organised religion — but spiritual and moral inquiry persists, albeit in less conventional forms. From podcasts and pilgrimages to social justice movements, many people continue to engage in spiritual practices, even if they do so independently. Assuming that relevance lies solely in strict orthodoxy overlooks the quiet persistence of faith in modern Western life. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Needs of autistic children are ignored Madam — I am a 14-year-old disability rights campaigner, once more forced to take my campaign to the gates of Leinster House. I am staging a 50-hour protest there, to highlight the appalling situation whereby the Government is breaking the law on assessments of needs, by failing to assess children within six months, as outlined in the Disability Act 2005. The Government does not dispute that permanent damage is being caused to children by the failure to assess in a timely manner. Last October, Simon Harris directly credited my campaign with the allocation of €10m towards assessments of needs backlogs. While I'm very grateful for that, it has not led to systematic change. In fact, waiting lists have only increased. So, I return to Leinster House on May 20 with a clear question for Cabinet: will they continue to be lawbreakers, or will they finally stop the permanent damaging of autistic children? The nation awaits your answer. Cara Darmody (14), Ardfinnan, Co Tipperary The style guide is the journalist's bible Madam — For a long time in the Sunday Independent, the word 'Mass' has been given a lower-case letter 'm' This is an error, as the word 'Mass' (as in Catholic liturgy) is a proper noun, thus deserving a capital 'M', anywhere it appears in a sentence. Several of your contributors and an occasional letter-writer make this mistake. Indeed your good self made the same error in your Letter from the editor last Sunday. Wishing you the best of luck in your new role. Aidan Grennan, Rahan, Co Offaly Note: Sunday Independent sub-editors adhere to the Mediahuis Style Guide, which dictates that in our publications the word 'mass' takes a lower-case m. So many evil regimes began with racial hate Madam — Amid the 80th anniversary celebrations of the official end of World War II in Europe, it's sobering to think that racism, which was at the heart of the evil regime the Allies defeated, has made a comeback. I listened recently to an old interview with an Irishman who was among the first Allied soldiers to enter the Nazi death camp of Bergen-Belsen. He'd lost friends on the battlefield, had numerous brushes with death, and seen the ugliness of war up close. But the Nazi concentration camp left him stunned and disbelieving. It was evidence of human cruelty brought to new levels. We should never forget this horror only became possible once people fell under the spell of racism. It started with name-calling, the casting of racial slurs, the dehumanising of people of different ethnic origin. In Britain, the VE celebrations are lavish and colourful. How sad to see though, both in Britain and here, people using national flags to promote hatred of 'others' such as refugees and asylum-seekers, with cries of 'Our nation first!' or 'Get them out!' echoing on the streets and on social media. Unfortunately, unreasoning hatred of people on grounds of creed, skin colour or ethnicity still thrives. Will any of us live to celebrate VR Day — Victory over Racism? John Fitzgerald, Callan, Co Kilkenny Conlon sinks the black in fine style Madam — I thought Tommy Conlon's article on Rory McIlroy winning the Masters could not be equalled. But his piece on Ronnie O'Sullivan's demise came close. 'Rocket finally crashes to earth' was once again out of this world. John McCann, Donegal No power grid can avoid blackouts Madam — Conor Skehan's piece on green energy last Sunday failed to mention the simple truth that no grid is immune from blackouts. Renewables do require more managing, in terms of maintaining the grid's frequency. But this does not mean blackouts are a given. Skehan also conflates high electricity prices in Ireland with renewables. Doesn't the significantly cheaper price of electricity in Spain compared to Ireland show this is the case? Electricity prices are set by the most expensive source — called the 'marginal price' —that has to be 'turned on' to meet demand. And our reliance on gas in part explains our high electricity prices. This is not to deny there is a cost to renewable infrastructure. Nor does it mean that we will eliminate natural gas as a back-up energy source by 2050, although long-term hydrogen storage is a plausible solution. The real issue is that the Government does not have a coherent and cogent strategy. Both the National Economic and Social Council and the Irish Academy of Engineering have highlighted the lack of an implementation strategy, costings and planning. This is in part illustrated by the fact that we are turning off wind turbines because of grid constraints. Andy Hales, Kenmare, Co Kerry Housing tsar needed – builder must apply Madam — the Government's latest answer to the housing crisis is the appointment of a so-called housing 'tsar' to head up a Housing Activation Office. But the function of this new body is supposedly to cut through the red tape which is mostly created by the Government, knock heads together and get on with the job of building houses. If the housing minister and his department are not up to the job, they should resign. But if such an appointment is really deemed necessary, an experienced builder who understands the regulations and planners should be the preferred candidate to lead it. Brian Lube, Co Meath Donald trumped by a greater American Madam — How will Donald Trump cope with the fact that he is no longer the most famous American in the world, now that Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV has assumed office? Not very well, I suspect. Expect a tantrum sooner rather than later. Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Co Galway Hands up who wants another tipple? Madam — While having a few pints with a friend recently, he told me his wife had kindly offered to give us a lift home when we had ended our little session. When he rang her, she told him she had just painted her nails, and would be about half an hour behind schedule as she waited for them to dry. So there we had it... a nailed-on excuse for having another. Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9 Thanks from the US to the friendly Irish Madam — I'm just back from a 10-day visit to your beautiful country. The Book of Kells was a highlight, as was Kilkenny Castle — and the Dingle Peninsula took my breath away. But most of all, everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming — and that made my visit extra special. Thank you.
Irish Times
01-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Mandatory alcohol warning labels could be reconsidered due to tariff impact on industry
Tánaiste Simon Harris has cast doubt over the planned introduction of mandatory alcohol warning labels by next May, due to the potential impact US tariffs could have on the drinks industry. The warnings, messages placed on alcoholic beverage containers or packaging to inform about the potential health risks of drinking, are due to be introduced under the Public Health Alcohol Act in May 2026. Asked about the timeline for implementation, Mr Harris said this was 'something we do have to give consideration to' in light of the proposed tariffs on alcohol being imported from the European Union to the United States . 'We find ourselves in a very new trade environment and we always say we have to try and control what we can control. This is certainly something that merits at least considering in that space when we hear the concerns being expressed,' he told the Dáil on Thursday. READ MORE 'I'm not in a position to say today what exact decision the Government will make but I can say the timeline around implementation is certainly under consideration.' Mr Harris's comments come weeks after Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said the introduction of warning labels on alcohol products would need to be 'carefully examined again'. Representative groups for the drinks industry have warned the introduction of US tariffs on alcohol from the EU could potentially be 'devastating'. Sheila Gilheany, chief executive of Alcohol Action Ireland , said the organisation was 'absolutely shocked' by Mr Harris's comments. 'Labelling of alcohol products is a health issue and has nothing to do with Ireland's exports as the regulations only apply to products sold in Ireland. While in relation to imports, or home-produced products, the legal onus is on retailers, not producers/manufacturers, to ensure products are labelled,' she said. 'Therefore, a supermarket, or off-licence, can simply add a sticker to the product. Linking labelling to the 'trading environment' is an industry red herring and it should be called out as such by politicians. She added: 'It is deeply disappointing that Simon Harris, who as Minister for Health steered through the Public Health (Alcohol) Act in 2018, which gave rise to the regulations, now appears to have fallen for industry spin.' In a recent interview with The Irish Times, Prof Mary Horgan, interim chief medical officer, said though she understood Government members were looking at the issue 'from a different perspective', she warned of the importance of labels. 'We've done a lot of work and research in the area; all I can talk about is the public health message about alcohol, and labelling is important to get that across.' Under the law, once implemented, all bottles, cans and other containers must contain a back label stating: drinking alcohol causes liver disease; there is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers; a warning symbol for drinking when pregnant; and the website The label should also state the quantity of grams of alcohol and the energy value expressed in kilojoules and kilocalories. The label must be at least 60mm wide and not less than 30mm high surrounded by a black border.
Irish Independent
01-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Alcohol health labels could be delayed, Tánaiste says as campaigners warn against ‘falling for industry spin'
When the system is introduced, alcoholic drinks will be required to carry health warnings, including the risk of liver disease and warnings against consuming alcohol when pregnant. Labels will also have to carry the number of calories in the drink and the grammes of alcohol in the product. The regulations were signed into law in 2023, and gave businesses a three-year lead time to prepare for the changes. The new standardised labels were expected to be introduced by May 22, 2026. However, this timeline is now in doubt. In response to a question from Fine Gael TD Naoise Ó Muirí, the Tánaiste said the timeline was under consideration. 'I think this is something we do need to give consideration to in terms of the timeline for implementation,' Mr Harris said in the Dáil. Mr Harris said this was because of the ongoing economic uncertainty internationally as a result of US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs. 'We find ourselves in a very new trade environment and we always say we have try and control what we can control,' Mr Harris said. While Mr Harris said he could not confirm what decision the Government would make, he said the timeline should be considered due to 'concerns being expressed'. 'This is certainly something that merits at least considering in that space when we hear the concerns being expressed,' he said. ADVERTISEMENT 'I do think this falls into that category. I'm not in a position to say today what the exact decision Government will make but I can say the timeline around implementation is under consideration.' Alcohol Action Ireland said it was 'shocked' by the Tánaiste's comments. AAI chief executive Sheila Gilheany said: "At best it seems the Tánaiste has been duped by the alcohol industry's campaign of industry misinformation, at worst it looks like he is willing to put the profits of shareholders in alcohol companies before the health and wellbeing of Irish citizens. 'Labelling of alcohol products is a health issue and has nothing to do with Ireland's exports as the regulations only apply to products sold in Ireland. "While in relation to imports, or home-produced products, the legal onus is on retailers, not producers/manufacturers, to ensure products are labelled. Therefore, a supermarket, or off-licence, can simply add a sticker to the product. Linking labelling to the 'trading environment' is an industry red-herring and it should be called out as such by politicians.' She said the 'modest' labels had been extensively discussed for years and gone through all the proper notification processes internationally, and are due to come into effect in May 2026. 'However, they have been vehemently opposed by the alcohol industry which is using every possible tactic to derail them,' said Ms Gilheany. 'It is deeply disappointing that Simon Harris, who as Minister for Health steered through the Public Health (Alcohol) Act in 2018 which gave rise to the regulations, now appears to have fallen for industry spin. During the many years of discussion on the legislation, Simon Harris, saw at first hand the ferocious lobbying by the alcohol industry against any measure which seeks to improve public health. Previous tactics have included denying the health risks from alcohol. Claims now about trading environments should be taken with a large pinch of salt.' Ms Gilheany added that since the idea of a delay was first raised by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe last month, more than 75 health, social and community organisations, academics and advocates have come together to voice strong opposition to the move, writing an open letter to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and current Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, opposing any delay. Last month Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said the changes were being examined as the Government looked to protect the competitiveness of Irish businesses. Speaking on Newstalk, Mr Burke was asked whether the labels on alcohol products would go ahead or if a pause was being considered. '[The regulations] are currently under consideration. Obviously, the regulations come from the Department of Health, but we have a very close eye on our competitiveness," he said. In April, Mr Burke brought a proposal to the Cabinet Subcommittee on the Economy which included a competitiveness strategy as well as a number of areas where the government could achieve 'quick wins' for businesses. 'There's a number of key areas, I think, where we can get quick wins now and try and get them in train before the summer,' Mr Burke said. 'That will send a very strong signal to businesses that we're very serious about our competitive piece,' he added.
Irish Times
29-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Should plans to put cancer warning labels on alcohol go ahead? A doctor and a wine expert debate
Frank Murray: Yes. As a liver specialist, I have seen first hand the catastrophic harms of alcohol Alcoholic drinks should carry a warning label because these labels speak a plain truth: alcohol causes enormous amounts of illness and death in Ireland. As a liver specialist, I have seen at first hand the catastrophic harms of alcohol on individuals. Alcohol is a silent killer. Unfortunately, the vast majority of patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis only come to healthcare when their liver disease is irreversible and will lead to their death. Death from liver failure often occurs after many prolonged hospital and ICU admissions, and involves real suffering. It was witnessing this that led me – alongside many of my medical colleagues – to become involved in advocating to reduce alcohol consumption and its harmful consequences. We are passionately committed to the introduction of alcohol health warning labelling in May 2026. READ MORE Alcohol kills four people a day in Ireland, and causes more than 200 types of illness and injury, including seven types of common fatal cancers, foetal alcohol spectrum disorder and fatal liver diseases. These clear, evidence-based facts are the subjects of the alcohol warning labels. Citizens have a right to know the inherent risk and be warned, while Government and producers have a responsibility to inform them. Most Irish citizens do not know or understand the risks of alcohol consumption. In recognising this lack of knowledge, and the public health objective to reduce alcohol consumption and harms, the Public Health (Alcohol) Act (PHAA) was passed unanimously by Oireachtas in 2018. This included provisions to place alcohol health warning labels on all alcohol products sold in Ireland. The issue was thoroughly examined and approved after 1,000 days of debate. Against the enormous harms of alcohol, the suggestion recently from a senior Government minister, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, that the introduction of Ireland's regulations on health information and warning labelling of alcohol products should be 're-examined' amid concerns about tariffs is shocking and disturbing. Why has it taken so long for alcohol products to carry health warnings? The answer is the inappropriate influence of the alcohol industry Ireland's labelling regulations are a health measure and must be understood in the context of the burden that alcohol places on individuals, families, the health service and our wider society. Attempting to link global trading uncertainty as a result of US tariffs to the issue of alcohol health-warning labelling designed to protect our citizens' health is disingenuous. Labelling measures apply only to alcohol products sold in Ireland and have no impact on alcohol exports. As stated by the World Health Organisation and others, the alcohol industry cannot have a direct role in formulating and implementing public health policy. The alcohol industry is alarmed that these labels will reduce alcohol sales and their profits, precisely because the product will state the truth of the risks of alcohol consumption. With all of these proven harms from alcohol in mind, the real question to be asked is why has it taken so long for alcohol products to carry health warnings? The answer to this is the inappropriate influence of the alcohol industry. The eyes of the world are on Ireland and our introduction of alcohol health warning and nutrition labelling in May next year. Delaying their operation would be seen as a victory for 'Big Alcohol' over citizens' rights and their health, and damage Ireland's reputation. Prof Frank Murray MD FRCPI is a consultant hepatologist in Dublin, chair of Alcohol Action Ireland and past president of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) Jean Smullen: No. Current labelling regulations will place a big burden on small retailers On May 26th next year Ireland will become the first country in the world to introduce on label health warnings in relation to the sale and consumption of alcohol. Section 12 of The Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023 was signed into law by Stephen Donnelly, then minister for health, following the dismissal of many objections. The law provides that the labels of alcohol products will have to state the calorie content and grams of alcohol in the product. Retailers will also need to ensure that every container that contains alcohol they have for sale carries a specified health message printed in red against a white background: 'drinking alcohol causes liver disease' and 'there is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers'. Drinking Alcohol There can be no doubting the good intentions of the former minister in introducing these new regulations, which aim to educate consumers on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and to provide calorie information. However, as is often the case in Ireland, the impact on small businesses in meeting the requirements of the new regulations was not fully examined before their introduction. These will place a significant burden on small retailers and hospitality businesses already facing an uncertain future from the US tariffs and a looming global recession. These unintended consequences must be recognised by the Government. They can be addressed in a way which will allow the policy to achieve the desired effect. EU Law requires the nutritional information to be displayed on a wine label per 100ml from the 2024 vintage onwards, alongside a QR code linking to the ingredients. Our new regulations will require the same information to be presented per container, without any reference to the unit of measure. We feel that this goes against the spirit of the legislation by causing confusion rather than clarity. The priority should be to provide clear information to guide consumers in their choice. In a clear case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing, it is introducing a policy that will further squeeze a sector already hanging by a thread Unlike beers and spirits, the nutritional values on wines change with every vintage, meaning that each wine and each vintage has a unique label. A simple calculation would estimate that more than a quarter of a million different labels would be needed to be produced, putting undue pressure on small independent retailers, restaurants and distributors. As importers and distributors of wines, we have actively engaged with our suppliers regarding the implementation of the health warning. The new regulations stipulate that the label must be in landscape format. In some cases, we are having difficulty fitting the PHAA-mandated warning along with other regulatory information on to the label. Given the cost and complication of complying with the legislation, many small wine producers, and even some larger ones, have decided to leave the Irish market. This will reduce competition and leave many smaller Irish wine importers fighting for their survival. We could overcome this if the information could be displayed in portrait or landscape formats. Portrait format would display the same information with the same overall label size, achieving the same desired effect, but in a format that works with more bottle's shapes and label formats. Logistics aside, we also need to ask if this is the right time to introduce these new regulations. CSO data points to sharp falls in overseas visitors – 30 per cent down in January and February compared to the same months last year – raising fears that Irish industries reliant on tourism are facing a sharp downturn. US president Donald Trump 's tariff policy may yet lead to a global economic downturn, if not an outright recession. We are already seeing market instability, disrupted supply chains and increased costs for businesses. The Government, in keeping the 9 per cent VAT rate, has recognised the need to support the hospitality sector. But now, in a clear case of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing, it is introducing a policy that will further squeeze a sector already hanging by a thread. In the context of the emerging crisis of US tariffs and the pressure that this brings for businesses large and small, if Government wants to focus on doing everything possible for competitiveness and avoiding unnecessary regulatory burdens, then it needs to defer the proposed alcohol labelling regulations. Jean Smullen WSET Dip has worked in the wine industry in Ireland for 34 years and is administrator for the Irish Association of Wine Suppliers (IAWS), an association representing independent wine importing companies in Ireland
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Fresh Govt crackdown on alcohol sales in Irish shops with new loyalty card rule – it won't affect Dunnes or SuperValu
THE Government is set to launch a fresh crackdown on alcohol sales in Irish shops. Customers may not be able to use supermarket loyalty cards to obtain discounts on alcohol under new regulations being submitted by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Advertisement Some However, existing laws prohibit using loyalty card points to purchase alcohol. And further laws are now planned for their use to buy cheap booze. Those who shop at Advertisement READ MORE IN MONEY However, those who use The Minister for Health confirmed that regulations will need to be submitted to A Department of Health spokesperson said: "The minister has begun developing regulations to address alcohol price promotions related to the possession of a loyalty card. "The Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Exclusive Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll McNeill hasn't given an indication on when the new law may be enacted. Christine Wright- Function Alcoholic Separately, the Chairperson of Alcohol Action Ireland has said he does not believe the issue of health warnings on alcohol needs to be "examined again". Minister for Finance He cited increased pressure on the drinks industry due to US tariffs and the need to maintain competitiveness as the reason behind a new examination. Advertisement However, AAI Chairman Professor Frank Murray said the labelling has nothing to do with tariffs, describing it as a health issue, not an economic one. He said: "I don't believe that it needs to be re-examined. "It was examined in enormous detail at national, and indeed at EU level, when it was first proposed and the legislation got through despite the huge lobbying activity of the alcohol industry, which is an enormously powerful industry. 'NO EXCUSE FOR DELAY' "I think the most important thing to remember about it is that the alcohol health warning labels are a health issue. Advertisement "They're not an economic issue and that they've got nothing to do with their exports and tariffs. This is entirely for the Irish market. "So, what we're seeing from the alcohol industry is lobbying and, I believe, misleading the Government in relation to this. So, this will have no impact on exports or on tariffs or anything like that." Prof Murray said the labelling is important because many people do not know about the risks from alcohol, particularly cancer. He added: "People don't know of the risks of alcohol, particularly cancers, and they don't really understand what cirrhosis is, many of them as well. Advertisement "And there's widespread use of alcohol during pregnancy across Europe, including in Ireland.: Prof Murray said the Public Health (Alcohol) Act was introduced "after much discussion" in 2018. And, with labelling not due to come into effect until 2026, he said there is "no excuse anymore" for delaying. 1 Customers may soon not be able to buy alcohol for a reduced price using a loyalty card Credit: Getty Images - Getty Advertisement
