Menu
25/07/2011
Booze Price Gets Cross Channel Focus
A proposal to enforce a minimum price structure on drinks' retailers has been in focus in a bi-lateral discussion.
The Stormont Health Minister, Edwin Poots has met with his Scottish counterpart, Nicola Sturgeon to discuss a range of health care issues affecting both countries.
During the meeting, the Ministers addressed a number of topics including professional health service contracts, clinical excellence awards, emergency planning and care of military personnel.
NI Health Minister Edwin Poots was also very keen to discuss Scotland's progress on minimum unit pricing for alcohol.
The DUP Minister said: "This is an area where I have great concern and it is a significant issue for both Northern Ireland and Scotland.
"Scotland is more advanced than Northern Ireland in relation to their proposals for minimum unit pricing for alcohol and I have been watching the progress of these proposals with interest," he said.
"The cost of alcohol misuse to Northern Ireland could be as high as £670m, with £122m of that coming directly out of the health service budget.
"This is a significant 'pot of money', which clearly could be better spent on frontline services within the community," he continued.
"In Northern Ireland, we have already taken a range of measures to address misuse of alcohol, but one area which I think could make a real difference is that of pricing."
The Minister continued: "My Department and the Department of Social Development launched a public consultation on the issue which closed on 26 June.
"We are currently analysing the consultation responses and once that is complete, it is hoped that an options paper will be presented to the Assembly at the beginning of the new term," he concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
The Stormont Health Minister, Edwin Poots has met with his Scottish counterpart, Nicola Sturgeon to discuss a range of health care issues affecting both countries.
During the meeting, the Ministers addressed a number of topics including professional health service contracts, clinical excellence awards, emergency planning and care of military personnel.
NI Health Minister Edwin Poots was also very keen to discuss Scotland's progress on minimum unit pricing for alcohol.
The DUP Minister said: "This is an area where I have great concern and it is a significant issue for both Northern Ireland and Scotland.
"Scotland is more advanced than Northern Ireland in relation to their proposals for minimum unit pricing for alcohol and I have been watching the progress of these proposals with interest," he said.
"The cost of alcohol misuse to Northern Ireland could be as high as £670m, with £122m of that coming directly out of the health service budget.
"This is a significant 'pot of money', which clearly could be better spent on frontline services within the community," he continued.
"In Northern Ireland, we have already taken a range of measures to address misuse of alcohol, but one area which I think could make a real difference is that of pricing."
The Minister continued: "My Department and the Department of Social Development launched a public consultation on the issue which closed on 26 June.
"We are currently analysing the consultation responses and once that is complete, it is hoped that an options paper will be presented to the Assembly at the beginning of the new term," he concluded.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 January 2011
'Minimum Price' Could Curb Booze Abuse
Just a few months after local psychiatrists called on the Stormont Executive to introduce a minimum price for alcohol the Social Development (DSD) Minister Alex Attwood and Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey have announced they will be launching a joint consultation on minimum pricing for alcohol.
'Minimum Price' Could Curb Booze Abuse
Just a few months after local psychiatrists called on the Stormont Executive to introduce a minimum price for alcohol the Social Development (DSD) Minister Alex Attwood and Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey have announced they will be launching a joint consultation on minimum pricing for alcohol.
11 March 2022
Rainbow Project And HERe NI Awarded Funding
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced funding of more than £260,000 has been awarded to The Rainbow Project and HERe NI, from the Mental Health Support Fund. The fund was established by the Health Minister to enable charities and organisations across Northern Ireland to enhance the vital mental health support and help on offer.
Rainbow Project And HERe NI Awarded Funding
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced funding of more than £260,000 has been awarded to The Rainbow Project and HERe NI, from the Mental Health Support Fund. The fund was established by the Health Minister to enable charities and organisations across Northern Ireland to enhance the vital mental health support and help on offer.
25 October 2024
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
Health Minister Unveils New Initiative To Tackle Health Inequalities
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced the launch of Live Better, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing health inequalities in Northern Ireland. The program will initially focus on neighbourhoods in Belfast and L'Derry, with plans to expand to other communities if successful.
27 October 2016
More Work Needed To Tackle Mental Health At Young Offenders Centre
More work is needed to tackle mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependency at Hydebank Wood College, a young offenders centre, according to the latest inspection.
More Work Needed To Tackle Mental Health At Young Offenders Centre
More work is needed to tackle mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependency at Hydebank Wood College, a young offenders centre, according to the latest inspection.
03 December 2014
Minimum Alcohol Pricing Planned
Health Minister Jim Wells has unveiled proposals to introduce Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol in Northern Ireland. The Minister said he has based his support for Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) on evidence provided by the University of Sheffield in an academic piece of research.
Minimum Alcohol Pricing Planned
Health Minister Jim Wells has unveiled proposals to introduce Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol in Northern Ireland. The Minister said he has based his support for Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) on evidence provided by the University of Sheffield in an academic piece of research.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
