Alcohol misuse and minimum pricing
Senators Mullen and Noone urge stronger action on alcohol misuse, including minimum pricing and restrictions on alcohol marketing, highlighting its effects on children and families.
I will conclude on this point. We need to bite the bullet, in particular on the marketing of alcohol using sports and other significant cultural events. We cannot pretend that alcohol misuse is a serious problem in our society and, at the same time, not take it seriously in our response. I would welcome an early response from the Government.
Comment on this
With other speakers, I commend Alcohol Action for the briefing this morning which I co-hosted. I was on the relevant committee for the past few years. It was an excellent presentation which focused on the effect that alcohol in the home had on children and, in particular, the effect that availability, affordability and accessibility of alcohol had on both adults and children who are, of course, affected by the adults with whom they live. Minimum pricing is one thing that will make a huge difference. In all studies, affordability is linked with the amount that is consumed. Another issue mentioned by Senator Rose Conway-Walsh is the social media aspect which I believe is a real challenge for us and which I mentioned some time ago on the Order of Business. Broadcasting rules which apply to alcohol advertising on television do not apply to social media. We are chasing to catch up on this issue because children are ahead of adults when it comes to much of the Internet. It is a real problem. I take Senator Rónán Mullen's point that we need to be more courageous and agree that alcohol misuse is a societal issue. However, the Bill is a start and shows we are facing up to it to some degree. I welcome it because it is probably the most courageous alcohol legislation that we have seen. It is a start, although I accept a lot more needs to be done. The economic argument is also huge, as I have mentioned before, given the unacceptable level of alcohol consumption is costing the taxpayer €1.5 billion, which is equal to €1 for every €10 spent on public health. It is a serious issue. I believe the Bill will come to the House in October, but it cannot come soon enough.