Government delays introduction of alcohol warning labels until 2028

The delay comes amid concerns about the impact of such labels, with warnings from the Government’s trade forum that it could undermine Irish products on international markets. File picture

The Government is to delay the introduction of health warnings on alcoholic drinks until 2028, coming amid concerns the plan would undermine Irish trade competitiveness internationally.

Cabinet will today approve the deferral of health warning.

The labels, which warn of links between alcohol and cancer, had been due to come into effect in May 2026.

Last week, it was expected the delay would be until 2029. However, it will now only be until 2028.

The delay comes amid concerns about the impact of such labels, with warnings from the Government’s trade forum that it could undermine Irish products on international markets.

Both domestic and international alcohol producers will have additional time to prepare for their introduction in 2028.

The delay has already been criticised by Alcohol Action Ireland, with the advocacy group saying the decision shows both the Taoiseach and health minister “turning their backs on public health”.

“It is bizarre that the Government should even contemplate delaying this measure, which has been in planning for years,” CEO Sheila Gilheany said.

Meanwhile, Tánaiste Simon Harris is due to update Cabinet on the ongoing trade talks between the EU and US. The Fine Gael leader is set to tell Government that there is still uncertainty over a deal.

Mr Harris is expected to outline that the EU will intensify negotiating efforts with the US ahead of the August 1 deadline.

Elsewhere on trade, enterprise minister Peter Burke will bring forward the new action plan on market diversification. The plan aims to assist Irish companies seeking to export their goods.

While the policy will be approved by the Government today, it is not expected that the plan will be published until late August.

Housing minister James Browne will seek Cabinet approval for more funding to be allocated towards community water schemes.

It is understood that a total of €73.9m is expected to be allocated towards 291 community water schemes.

The funding is expected to benefit approximately 63,000 households in rural Ireland.

Funds are being allocated through the multi-annual rural water programme, which aims to improve local water infrastructure in areas not serviced by Uisce Éireann.

Meanwhile, children’s minister Norma Foley is expected to receive government approval for the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam, to come under the remit of the State Claims Agency.

This will see any potential claims taken against the office to be handled by the State Claims Agency.