Irish back SNP policy on minimum pricing for alcohol

The SNP administration passed the pricing plan, which aims to set a 50p floor price per unit, at the second attempt at Holyrood earlier this year.

But it has since been challenged by other European countries and faces opposition from some in the drinks industry.

Earlier this month the EC warned the policy is considered incompatible with European Union (EU) regulations.

Now Irish health minister Dr James Reilly has spoken out in support of the Scottish Government.

“I wish to express my full support for the Scottish proposals on minimum unit pricing of alcohol,” he said.

“This is an important policy measure to reduce the harmful consumption of alcohol and, in this regard, the Irish Department of Health is currently preparing proposals for similar legislation in Ireland.”

His comments came as health secretary Alex Neil visited Brussels to discuss minimum pricing with officials from EC business and health departments.

The EC, the EU’s ruling body, said minimum pricing could restrict imports of foreign alcohol, putting international producers at a competitive disadvantage in Scotland.

The commission would prefer a wholesale increase in all alcohol prices through raising taxes, something outwith Holyrood’s control, or unspecified targeted measures in specific regions where alcohol abuse is a problem rather than penalising the entire population.

Speaking after his visit, Mr Neil said: “The commission is looking forward to receiving our formal response which we are currently preparing and to the dialogue between us which will follow.”