Tax hike would reduce ill effects of alcohol

THE real price of drink in Ireland has decreased dramatically in recent years, with alcohol now 50% more affordable than it was in 1996.

But this cheap drink comes at a high price. Our high levels of alcohol use cost the state and employers more than €1 billion every year through alcohol-related absenteeism, illnesses, accidents, poor performance at work, lost profits, sick pay and lost revenue.

Todays’ budget presents the Government with an opportunity to take simple and cost-effective measures to reduce the high levels of alcohol-related harm and the cost of responding to them.