From the Irish Independent
TAOISEACH Enda Kenny today defended the decision to postpone a bill to abolish the selling of cheap alcohol by supermarkets.
He had promised during the summer that the sale of alcohol bill would come before the Dail by the end of the year. It would outlaw the below cost selling of alcohol – which has led to “ €1-a-can ” offers in supermarkets. But the bill is now not due to be ready until the middle of next year.
Labour Dublin Mid West TD Robert Dowds questioned Mr Kenny about the delay in the bill in the Dail today.
“The Taoiseach reminded us that around 2,000 hospital beds are occupied as a result of alcohol abuse, so could this be introduced sooner? ” he asked.
Mr Kenny said that the cabinet sub-committee on social policy would be dealing with the “massive project ” of alcohol-related issues.
“That meeting will take place in a couple of weeks but the bill is some time away. We will keep the deputy informed, ” he said.
– Michael Brennan Deputy Political Editor
