115. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to raise the age for purchasing alcohol, similar to her plans to raise the age for smoking, noting that according to the Healthy Ireland survey 2023, 36% of all 15 to 24 year olds, including 48% of men of that age, engage in binge drinking compared to 22% of that age group engaging in smoking. [23038/24]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: I can assure the Deputy that public health is a factor for my Department when considering the introduction of reforms with regard to the sale of alcohol. As part of the deliberative process, my Department will continue to engage with various public and voluntary health bodies on any potential health implications in the course of that process. However, there are no plans to raise the age for purchasing alcohol.