The introduction of minimum pricing in Ireland will lead to reduction in alcohol-fuelled crime in Ireland and save lives, according to a leading alcohol policy expert.

Professor Tim Stockwell told the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality that minimum pricing has led to a reduction in crime and deaths due to alcohol in Canada and would have similarly positive results if introduced in Ireland.

Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues, and Professor Stockwell, Director at the Centre for Addictions Research of British Columbia, addressed the Committee on alcohol-related crime and the potential of minimum pricing to reduce it.