Both Ministers heard about a border region alcohol project aiming to reduce the effects of harmful drinking. Its early intervention service focuses on the provision of alcohol screening and intervention training to key practitioners in the mental health/family support area.

Health Minister Edwin Poots said: “Preventing and addressing the harm related to alcohol and drug misuse is a key priority for my department. The North/South Alcohol Forum was established to provide a mechanism to drive forward and co-ordinate work on these issues and in particular the potential to introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol. I am keen to ensure both jurisdictions can get the greatest impact from this invaluable work.”