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Pringle questions Government on recommended health impact assessment of Sale of Alcohol Bill
- Updated: 9th May 2024
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has pressed Government on whether it will carry out a health impact assessment of the Sale of Alcohol Bill, as was advised during pre-legislative scrutiny, before the bill comes before the Dáil.
Addressing the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “I understand that the Sale of Alcohol Bill, to reform the alcohol licensing system in Ireland and to extend licensing hours of bars and restaurants, has been in the works for a while now.
“The government initially indicated that the bill would be introduced before the summer recess, however the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, recently expressed skepticism about meeting the summer deadline, citing the need for careful consideration and avoiding unintended consequences.
“During the pre-legislative scrutiny process of the bill at Justice Committee it was advised that a health impact assessment of the legislation should be made and has been called for by almost 80 NGOs and advocates,” he said.
The deputy raised the issue today during Questions on policy or legislation.
Deputy Pringle said: “Can you clarify that the Sale of Alcohol Bill will not be published before the summer recess? And will the government make a commitment to carry out a health impact assessment of the legislation as advised before it comes before the House?”
In his response, the Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, said he would revert to the Minister in terms of the timeline for the legislation and will come back to Deputy Pringle in terms of the Minister’s position.
