Fianna Fáil will withdraw an amendment to controversial legislation requiring health warnings to be listed on alcohol products in Irish as well as English if there is a “genuine risk” to implementation of the Bill.
Party health spokesman Stephen Donnelly said he had submitted an amendment to the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, which aims to improve drinking habits in Ireland, “solely with the intention of protecting the implementation of the Bill and recognising the role of the Irish language”.
Mr Donnelly said: “I have discussed with Minister [for Health Simon] Harris potential concerns with regard to the Bill being delayed.
“If having debated this further with him in the Dáil there is a genuine risk to implementation then I will withdraw the amendment.”
Public health advocates have expressed concern that the amendment will require notification to the European Commission if passed, because it is a strengthening of the measure and the EU will have to consider whether it constitutes a barrier to trade.
Source: Marie O'Halloran, The Irish Times, 17/09/18
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