Naoise Ó Muirí: I ask for an update on the national roll-out of standardised labelling of alcohol products. I understand that in 2023 the then Minister for Health signed the regulations into law and that the labelling is due to come into effect a year from now, in May 2026. Could the Tánaiste confirm that we are on target for the labels to be on all drinks one year from now and whether there are any implementation issues remaining to be resolved? 

The Taniste Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Ó Muirí for raising this issue. We do need to consider the timeline for implementation. We find ourselves in a very new trade environment and we always say we have to try to control what we can control. This is certainly something that at least merits consideration when we hear the concerns expressed. I believe this falls into that category. I am not in a position to say today what exact decision the Government will make but I can say that the timeline around implementation is certainly under consideration.

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Dáil Éireann debate. Questions 357 & 369 – Legislative process [21957/25, 21957/25]

357. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to give a detailed report in regard to any possible delays to Ireland’s alcohol health information labelling regulations (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.

369. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the reason there are delays in introducing health information labelling of alcohol products; when labelling is likely to be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21957/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 369 together.

The requirement for health warnings and information on the labels of alcohol products was enacted at section 12 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 on 17 October 2018.

Following assessment by the European Commission and the World Trade Organisation, the Minister for Health made the Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023, and commenced section 12 of the Act, on 18 May 2023. The law will come into operation on 22 May 2026.