Commenting on reports that the Irish Government plan to develop a range of measures to tackle alcohol misuse – including a minimum price for alcohol – Health Secretary Alex Neil said:
“I’m delighted by the news that Ireland intends to legislate for minimum unit pricing of alcohol.
“It further backs up our commitment to this policy, which will save lives and reduce alcohol-related harm and the costs associated with it. We believe that minimum pricing, which has been backed by expert opinion, is the most effective pricing measure to address the availability of high-strength low-cost alcohol.
“The Court of Session has passed the only judgement in law on minimum pricing, finding comprehensively in favour of the policy and recognising the overwhelming evidence that minimum unit pricing will reduce alcohol consumption, with a particular impact on hazardous and harmful drinkers who experience so much of the alcohol-related harm we see in Scotland.
“Scotland is seeking to introduce minimum unit pricing on public health grounds. We have identified a serious problem that needs bold action and we believe that minimum pricing can deliver that bold action.”
