154. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Taoiseach if the Central Statistics Office compiles information on the total amount of alcohol sold here and the amounts imported into the State for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42843/14]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Paul Kehoe): The Central Statistics Office produces estimates for the total expenditure on alcohol. These estimates are based on Revenue data for both imported and home produced quantities.   

To convert alcoholic drinks to pure alcohol, typically beer is weighted as 4-5%, wine as 11-16% and spirits as 40% of pure alcohol equivalent.

The table gives the quantities of litres of pure alcohol (l.p.a.) sold based on net receipts within the State over the last 5 years.

Litres of Pure Alcohol