The fourteenth North South Ministerial Council Health and Food Safety meeting was held in the NSMC Joint Secretariat Offices, Armagh on 18 July 2012. The meeting was attended by James Reilly TD, Minister for Health, Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Edwin Poots MLA, Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Michelle O’Neill MLA, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Minister Reilly chaired the meeting.

The Council noted the development of strategies in both jurisdictions on alcohol misuse. These include ongoing collaboration on minimum unit price for alcohol and proposals for a North/South Alcohol Forum.

Ministers noted measures proposed in the new Northern Ireland ten year tobacco strategy which aim to reduce the availability and appeal of tobacco products to young people. They also noted that legislation prohibiting smoking in cars where children are present is being developed in Ireland.