Fine Gael senators seek talks as Simon Harris plans to restrict alcohol sales

Fine Gael senators and TDs who blocked plans to limit the sale and promotion of alcohol earlier this year have demanded a meeting with Health Minister Simon Harris over his plans to force through the law change.

Senators Tim Lombard and Paudie Coffey, who were key to 20 senators stalling the bill before the summer, said Mr Harris must explain how any still unpublished amendment will address their concerns over the public health policy at the party’s pre-Dáil think-in on September 14-15.

Speaking at an addiction recovery event on Monday, Mr Harris hit out at colleagues and rival parties over their repeated blocking of the public health alcohol bill, saying alcohol is the single most dangerous addictive substance in Ireland.