Alcohol Action Ireland note with interest the Department of Health’s invitation, as published today (National Newspapers, 25 July), to interested parties an opportunity to submit expert research on the effectiveness of health warnings and information on the labels of alcohol products and in advertisement for alcohol products.
While it is disappointing that this step has only begun now, we are satisfied that the Minister for Health and his officials are focused on progressing the measures passed by the Oireachtas last year after six years of debate and delay.
Commenting on this development, Eunan McKinney, Head of Communications and Advocacy, Alcohol Action Ireland said:
We trust that this exercise will not become an opportunity for the Minister of Health to weaken his resolve to exclude the alcohol industry from influencing the objectives of public alcohol policy.
Alcohol Action Ireland have worked extensively across a range of European partners and international alliances advancing the efficacy of the measures proposed and advocating for the consumer’s right to know of the significant risks attached to consuming alcohol.
We look forward to sharing with the consultation team the extensive detail of our work.
ENDS
Editor’s Notes
Details of the Public Consultation been undertaken are available on the Food Safety Authority of Ireland website:
https://www.fsai.ie/legislation/consultations.html
The principal health warnings to be included on all alcohol products and advertisements are:
(a) a warning that is intended to inform the public of the danger of alcohol consumption,
(b) a warning that is intended to inform the public of the danger of alcohol consumption when pregnant,
(c) a warning that is intended to inform the public of the direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers, and
(d) details of a website, to be established and maintained by the Executive, providing public health information in relation to alcohol consumption.
