Advocacy Group Urges Action Against Alcohol Industry Influence

A public health advocacy group, Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI), has raised serious concerns regarding government support for the alcohol industry, suggesting it is contributing to increased alcohol consumption. The AAI criticized the government’s alcohol policy as “disjointed and often contradictory,” particularly highlighting the pressure some cabinet ministers are exerting on the Health Minister to delay the introduction of alcohol health information labels.

The remarks came following the release of an independent evaluation of the National Drugs Strategy, which revealed that approximately 73 percent of the population consumes alcohol, compared to 7.3 percent who use illegal drugs. While there has been a noted decline in alcohol consumption among children, the report highlighted persistently high rates of hazardous and binge drinking, especially among men.

According to the evaluation, one in five drinkers in Ireland suffers from Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), equating to around 600,000 people. The financial toll of alcohol-related issues on the state is estimated at no less than €12 billion each year, encompassing costs related to health, justice, and lost workplace productivity.

Dr. Sheila Gilheany, CEO of AAI, emphasized the detrimental impact of government actions. “Despite these well-recognized issues, alcohol policy in Ireland remains disjointed and often contradictory,” she stated. Dr. Gilheany criticized cabinet ministers for applying “extreme pressure” on the Health Minister to abandon the implementation of the health information labels, which are supported by robust evidence. She called the potential abandonment of these labels “particularly shocking and foolish,” especially since similar labels are already present on various products in Irish shops.

The evaluation also highlighted significant deficiencies in the National Drugs Strategy, including governance weaknesses and unclear roles among addiction treatment service providers. Stakeholders reported that service demand often exceeds capacity, underscoring the need for more integrated care pathways for individuals with dual diagnoses.

Concerns regarding the effectiveness of prevention efforts and inequitable access to services were also noted in the report, along with the negative impact of stigma on families and communities. The Irish National Drug and Alcohol Survey indicated that 85 percent of lifetime cocaine users also consumed alcohol during their initial use. Recent research from the Health Research Board pointed out that in 2024, alcohol was the most common additional substance used alongside powder cocaine, accounting for 63.9 percent of cases.

Dr. Gilheany remarked, “Alcohol, in particular, can often be a driver for illegal drug use, particularly cocaine. It makes sense to address all drug use in Ireland and to recognize the scale of the issues.”

The evaluation made ten recommendations aimed at enhancing treatment services in alignment with the new Health Service Executive (HSE) regions and strengthening alternatives to punitive measures for those found in possession of illegal drugs for personal use.

In response to the findings, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill stated the necessity of identifying effective strategies and areas in need of improvement. “It is essential that the over €300 million in annual public expenditure on drugs delivers real impact,” she noted. The Health Minister highlighted the importance of tailoring drug treatment services to meet the specific needs of the population.

Minister Carroll MacNeill also expressed her intention to prioritize collaboration with British-Irish administrations and EU member states. The upcoming Irish Presidency of the EU presents a unique opportunity to enhance cooperation among member states, the EU Drugs Agency, and civil society organizations, addressing the evolving challenges of the drugs market effectively.

As the debate around alcohol consumption and health policy continues, the call from AAI and other health organizations for coherent and evidence-based measures remains critical in shaping future strategies.