Govt set to press ahead with minimum alcohol pricing

Minister of State for Health Roisín Shortall has confirmed that she intends to push ahead with plans to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol in Ireland.

Minister of State for Health Roisín Shortall has confirmed that she intends to push ahead with plans to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol in Ireland.

Reports have suggested that the move may increase by as much as 50% the price tag on cheaper beers and spirits.

However Minister Shortall said the exact price hikes have yet to be decided.

“There is a general acceptance that as a country and as a society we do have a problem with alcohol,” she told Newstalk.

“We drink too much and it is costing us very dearly in economic terms and personal terms.”

Minister Shortall said alcohol abuse is costing the State around €4bn per year and therefore the problem must be tackled.

"We need to do something about it now - and it is not just an issue that affects teenagers who shouldn't be drinking. It's something that affects us all.

"The volumes (of alcohol) that are consumed in this country are very high compared to our European neighbours and we need to tackle the problem."

Minister Shortall said that recent years had seen a big change in the drinking habits of Irish consumers, with about 55% of alcohol now consumed in the home.

"I've very keen that we would set some kind of targets in terms of reducing the volumes that we consume, because it is costing us dearly," she said.

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