The Coalition’s proposed measures to tackle alcohol misuse do not go far enough and are unlikely to be delivered before the general election, former junior health minister Róisín Shortall has said.
On Tuesday, the Government published proposed legislation designed to reduce alcohol consumption. The plans include restrictions on the sale of cheap drink, warning labels on bottles and cans, and restrictions on advertising.
Health professionals welcomed the moves and said that they would go towards preventing deaths and illnesses. The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland said the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill was a “huge step forward”.
However, the college also expressed disappointment that restricting drinks companies from sponsoring sports would not be included.
Ms Shortall, who oversaw alcohol legislation during her time in health, was also critical and claimed some of the Coalition plans only fell into line with the drinks industry’s policies.
The Dublin TD said it would be some time before the law is debated, drafted, and winds its way through the Oireachtas and it was hard to see it being implemented before the next general election.
She criticised the Coalition for abandoning plans to stop drinks giants sponsoring events and pointed out that large numbers of children saw drinks advertisements at such events.
Source: Juno McEnroe, Irish Examiner, 05/02/15
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