Fresh concerns over delay in introducing minimum unit pricing for alcohol sales

A Mayo Oireachtas member has raised fresh concerns over the delay in implementing the minimum unit pricing provision contained in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018.

Senator Paddy Burke said this month, a number of provisions of the act were commenced in law - but not minimum unit pricing.

He elaborated: "This week, a major supermarket chain is selling cans of alcohol for 70 cent per can, which is €14 for a slab.

"I cannot understand why the provision dealing with minimum unit pricing in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 cannot be implemented at this stage.

"We were waiting for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to agree on a date to introduce minimum unit pricing together.

"It has been a great success in Scotland, so for the life of me I cannot understand it.

"This was a contentious issue and one that would bring realism to the price of alcohol.

"The government should treat it as a priority, but obviously it is not a priority."