The National Substance Misuse Strategy (NSMS) Steering Group is considering the introduction of minimum pricing for alcohol in its upcoming report, which is due by the end of the year.

According to Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children Áine Brady, the Steering Group is currently finalising proposals on the alcohol element of the NSMS and is examining a wide range of issues in relation to alcohol policy, such as pricing — including minimum pricing — availability, treatment, prevention and marketing.

Deputy Brady was responding to a query by Fianna Fáil’s Noel Ahern last Thursday regarding whether a minimum floor-price for the sale of alcohol could be set to control alcohol consumption, improve tax take and provide fair competition with pubs.