FF: Govt not tackling cheap alcohol issue
Fianna Fáil has accused the Government of not tackling the issue of cheap alcohol and has said it is having a devastating effect on public health.
In its pre-budget submission, the party asked the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan to include a 10% levy on alcohol sales in off-licences.
However, the proposal was not included in the Finance Bill when it was eventually published.
Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen has said cheap alcohol has lead to a rise in binge drinking and anti-social behaviour.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil is holding its National Youth Conference in Sligo this weekend.
More than 500 young political activists are taking part in the two-day event.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin opened the conference last night.
Guest speakers include former Finance Minister Ray MacSharry, and Joseph Duffy from Headstrong.
