1050. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health if she will consider amending the forthcoming alcohol labelling regulations to allow for a standardised approach to wine labelling commencing with the 2026 vintage; if she will remove the requirement for per-container nutritional information, which conflicts with existing EU legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17645/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: The requirement for health labelling of alcohol products was enacted in 2018 in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act with the detail of those requirements finalised in 2023. Our labelling requirements do not apply only to wine only but to all alcohol products sold in the State and will ensure that this important health information is accessible to the consumer at the point of purchase. The law will come into effect in May 2026.

The fundamental objective of this law is the protection of the health of our population. The legislation provides for alcohol health warnings relating to the risks of cancer and liver disease and the harms for pregnant women. It also provides that the grams of alcohol and the calories contained in the product should be provided. The law is designed to ensure that consumers can make an informed choice about their alcohol consumption. Additional requirements under EU wine law are likely to further enhance the wine consumer's position in this regard.