2844. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Health if she has engaged with public health experts on the health impact of the potential delay of the application of health warning labels on alcoholic beverages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42289/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health: Following the Government Decision of 22 July 2025 to defer the implementation of alcohol labelling requirements from 2026 to 2028, my Department are arranging for the necessary amendments to the relevant regulations.

As the Deputy is aware, the Public Health (Alcohol) Act was enacted in 2018. It should be noted that 28 of the 31 provisions of the Act have been commenced, including the regulation of advertising and sponsorship, retail display of alcohol and alcohol promotions as well as the introduction of minimum unit pricing.

With regard to the labelling provision, no change will be made to the underpinning legislation, and the commencement will proceed at the later date. In the interim, my Department has asked the HSE to step up their awareness campaign on alcohol and cancer.