268. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health her views on the merits of amending the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 to remove the loophole that allows certain advertising of non-alcoholic drinks (details supplied); if her Department has carried out any research into this proposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17844/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: The Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 regulates the advertising of alcohol products in order to reduce the health harms associated with their consumption. Non-alcohol products do not cause such health harms and are not regulated under the Act.

Non-alcohol products are relatively new to the market, therefore it is as yet unclear whether their promotion might have a positive health impact by encouraging consumers to substitute non-alcoholic products for those containing alcohol. My Department continuously monitors the emerging evidence and intends to conduct an evidence review in relation to the overall public health impact of such promotion.