Public Health Alcohol Bill delay
Deputy Shortall criticised the slow progress of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill and said vested interests were holding it up. The Minister said the Bill was at Committee Stage and the Government intended to push it through the Oireachtas.
Alcohol abuse has a hugely negative impact on many aspects of Irish society. It is a very significant factor in our very high rates of mental illness and it also places a huge burden on our health service. It is two and a half years since the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill was first published but the progress of that legislation has been painfully slow and very much dogged by the undue influence of various vested interests. Why is Fine Gael dragging its heels in respect of this much needed legislation? When will it be back before the House?
Comment on this
I understand the Bill to which the Deputy refers is on Committee Stage. The Government is determined to push ahead with it but obviously it has to make its passage through the Oireachtas.
Comment on this
What is holding it up? Why is the Government not progressing it?