Non-alcoholic beer support
Deputy O'Connor asks the Government to support the growing non-alcoholic beer sector in Budget 2025 as a boost for safe drinking and rural hospitality. The Taoiseach says the sector is clearly growing and will ask the relevant Ministers to consider support.
The non-alcoholic beer sector is experiencing very substantial growth of approximately 18% per annum in Ireland and there has been a 50% increase in production. This is wonderful news but the industry is looking for support from Government to bring about further increases in the sector. Will the Government look at supporting this area in budget 2025? It is key to encouraging safe drinking in Ireland. Those who do not want to consume alcohol may like to enjoy a non-alcoholic beer. This is a good thing for rural Ireland, for rural pubs and for investment in our hospitality sector. Is this something the Taoiseach and Government will consider supporting further in the upcoming budget?
Comment on this
I was listening to some discussion about this matter on the radio the other day. Growth in the sector can clearly be seen. I recently attended the announcement of Diageo's climate plans with the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke. The company wants to make its plant carbon-neutral. Diageo was talking about the substantial growth it has seen in the non-alcoholic beer sector. It makes sense from a health point of view and I assume it also makes sense from the point of view of business diversification. I will certainly ask the Ministers, Deputies Chambers and Burke, to give consideration to Deputy O'Connor's suggestion in the context of the upcoming budget.