2044. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if, given the current economic situation, consideration could be given to postponing the May 2026 implementation date for mandatory health labelling of alcohol products under Article 12 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, in order to align with forthcoming EU-wide labelling regulations and avoid placing independent retailers at a competitive disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18916/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: The requirement for health labelling of alcohol products was enacted in 2018 under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act with the detail of those requirements finalised in 2023. Our labelling requirements do not apply 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 and, 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 EU requirements in relation to wine only will further enhance the information available to wine consumers.

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Dáil Éireann debate. Question 127 – Healthcare policy [18917/25]

2045. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if she will amend upcoming alcohol labelling legislation to allow the use of the 2026 vintage as the starting point for wine labelling requirements, and remove the requirement for per-container nutritional information in favour of a harmonised per-100 ml standard, as already provided via QR codes under EU law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18917/25]

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 Regulations made by the Minister for Health in 2023. Our labelling requirements do not apply only to wine but to all alcohol products sold in the State and will ensure that important health information is accessible to the consumer at the point of purchase. The law will come into effect in May 2026.

The law is designed to ensure that Irish consumers can make an informed choice about their alcohol consumption.

Additional EU requirements in relation to wine only will further enhance the information available to wine consumers.

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Dáil Éireann debate. Question 2236 – Health promotion [19831/25]

2236. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health her views on the proposal to postpone the labelling of alcohol products with health warnings, which is due to come into effect in May 2026; if she will commit to implementing this public health measure as per the agreed timeline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19831/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: 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.

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Dáil Éireann debate. Question 2272 – Health Promotion [20036/25]

2272. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health when she intends the requirement for health warning labels on alcoholic drinks to come into effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20036/25]

2422. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if she will ensure that the introduction of health warning labels for alcoholic products proceeds without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20803/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: I propose to take Questions Nos. 2272 and 2422 together.

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. It will come into effect in May 2026.

The legislation provides for health warnings in relation alcohol consumption while pregnant. along with liver disease and cancer, as well as health information on the grams of alcohol and the calories contained in the alcohol product concerned. The law is designed to facilitate consumers to make an informed choice about their alcohol consumption.