Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs, including former Cabinet ministers, are objecting to plans to press ahead with the minimum unit pricing (MUP) of alcohol without Northern Ireland. The Sunday Independent revealed last weekend that the Government is to introduce MUP which will increase the price of cheap wine, beer and spirits within weeks. The public health measure aimed at tackling harmful drinking is being pursued despite a programme for Government commitment to introduce it in tandem with Northern Ireland. Minister of State for Public Health Frank Feighan believes the Government cannot wait until 2023 — at the earliest — when it is likely to be introduced in the North. “The intention was to move with NI but times have changed and in the interests of public health and saving lives we couldn’t wait two and a half years,” Mr Feighan said.

Source: Irish Independent May 02, 2021 01:33 UTC