Harris def ies EU to push for minimum unit alcohol pricing

…despite Court of Justice ruling – and opposition from 11 member states

HEALTH Minister Simon Harris is prepared to defy the EU to tackle Ireland’s alcohol problem, he has told the Irish Mail on Sunday.

The Department of Health has prioritised a Bill – introduced by former health minister Leo Varadkar – which seeks to deal with Ireland’s alcohol abuse problem.

However, Mr Harris confirmed that some European partners have ‘concerns’ about the Bill, opposing two measures in particular – minimum unit pricing and health warnings on labels.

There are also legal issues concerning the Bill after a European court ruled in December that minimum pricing runs contrary to EU law. The European Court of Justice ruled that the Scottish government’s plans for a blanket minimum price for alcohol was in breach of EU free-trade laws.

It said the policy could be justified on health grounds under EU law only if it was more effective and proportionate than using general taxation. It is unclear how the ruling will affect the content of the Bill. France and Germany are among 11 EU states objecting to detailed compulsory labels, deeming the legislation anticompetitive. The EU leadership also opposes the measures.

Mr Harris hopes to meet with the European health commissioner to insist that Ireland be permitted to introduce measures to deal with our particular concerns.

He confirmed that Junior Minister Marcella Corcoran Kennedy will continue to bring the Bill through the Oireachtas.

The Bill also provides for the strict separation of alcohol products from other items in shops; a ban on broadcasting advertisements before 9pm; restrictions on promotions, and no advertising near schools or playgrounds.

‘The very significant burden on the Irish health service – and, more significantly and importantly, on human life itself – is a clear reason and rationale why we need to move ahead with the Public Health and Alcohol Bill,’ said Mr Harris.

‘As somebody who is very favourably disposed to the European Union I still believe it is absolutely essential that member states are allowed pursue the policies that are necessary in their country.

‘That’s why I intend to talk to the European health ministers and indeed the EU health commissioner. And I know that Marcella Corcoran Kennedy will continue to take this Bill through the Seanad in the autumn.’

Mr Harris says that the opposing countries are not addressing the issue fast enough, so ‘we will do what we have to do’.

One of the most controversial provisions is that the labels on all alcoholic drinks would have to state calorie count, health warnings and alcohol levels.

Mr Harris is ‘considering the issues raised in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General and will respond accordingly’.

Fine Gael Dublin MEP Brian Hayes expressed concern at the delay in the passage of the Bill.

‘Health concerns and a proper response to Ireland’s binge drinking culture are best tackled at a local level – irrespective of internal market concerns,’ he said.

‘We will do what we have to do’