FF: Govt not tackling cheap alcohol issue

Fianna Fáil has accused the Government of not tackling the issue of cheap alcohol and has said it is having a devastating effect on public health.

In its pre-budget submission, the party asked the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan to include a 10% levy on alcohol sales in off-licences.

However, the proposal was not included in the Finance Bill when it was eventually published.

Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen has said cheap alcohol has lead to a rise in binge drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil is holding its National Youth Conference in Sligo this weekend.

More than 500 young political activists are taking part in the two-day event.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin opened the conference last night.

Guest speakers include former Finance Minister Ray MacSharry, and Joseph Duffy from Headstrong.