Drinks groups ‘undermine’ report

The Department of Justice accused two drinks’ industry groups involved in a Government alcohol strategy committee of trying to “undermine” its final report.

But the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport defended one of the groups and issued a strongly-worded letter to the Department of Health’s medical officer, who chaired the committee, regarding negative comments in a draft report about the body.

Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society (MEAS), which is funded by the drinks industry, and the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI), a representative body for manufacturers and suppliers, were members of the National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group.