Controversial new proposals to curb alcohol abuse are not on the agenda for today’s Cabinet meeting, according to senior political sources.
The measures, including plans to restrict drinks advertising and sponsorship, may not now be considered by the Government until after the summer recess.
A number of Fine Gael Ministers, including Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney, had expressed reservations about aspects of a plan on alcohol drawn up by Labour Minister of State for Health Róisín Shortall.
Minister for Health James Reilly had been expected to propose an action plan this morning. However this will not take place today, according to senior sources, and may not even take place next week at the last Cabinet meeting before the summer recess.
Asked if the item had been taken off the agenda for this morning’s meeting, one well-placed source said it was never on today’s agenda in the first place.
Labour Party chairman Colm Keaveney expressed concern at reports that Ms Shortall’s proposals were “being compromised following vigorous lobbying by the drinks industry”.
There have been reports of differences between Ministers on aspects of the proposals, especially on abolishing sponsorship of sports and arts events by drinks companies over a number of years.
If the plan was approved in the next two weeks, it is believed legislation to curb alcohol abuse could be introduced shortly after the Dáil returned from recess.
Ms Shortall’s plan also seeks approval in principle for a minimum unit price on alcohol and a “responsibility levy” on drinks firms which would be used to fund campaigns highlighting the dangers of alcohol.
Ms Shortall said: “I would be very hopeful that we will have a Public Health (Alcohol) Bill by September.”
Source: Deaglán de Bréadún, Irish Times, 17/07/12
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