Health experts criticise move not to raise excise on alcohol

THE Government’s decision not to increase excise duty on alcohol has been strongly criticised by health experts, but welcomed by the alcohol industry.

Experts welcomed the announcement by Finance Minister Michael Noonan that Junior Health Minister Roisín Shortall would “legislate” next year to deal with the sale of cheap alcohol in supermarkets and off-licences.

However, Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) branded the decision on excise duty as “incomprehensible”.