Ireland criticised for 'high levels of alcohol industry penetration' of policymaking
Istock Said Officials Sheila 'it Ceo Meets Ireland From Departments,' Lobbying Is Returns Alcohol Government Action And Clear With Industry Frequently Picture: Across Senior Politicians Multiple That Gilheany
An international study has found “high levels of alcohol industry penetration” in the formulation of government alcohol policies in 24 countries, including Ireland.
The findings have been criticised by Alcohol Action Ireland, which described industry access to policymakers as “extensive”.
However, the Irish drinks industry said it had a “right” to engage with policymakers, given the scale of the sector in Ireland.
The Department of Health said most of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 has come into effect, with two outstanding provisions — on a broadcast watershed and labelling of alcohol products — due to start next January and in May of 2026 respectively.
The study, published in the , involved researchers in 24 countries, including five European states, Ireland among them.
It found that Ireland scored five out of five in terms of “indicators of alcohol industry penetration” in policy making, namely:
- The presence of transnational alcohol corporations;
- Alcohol industry participation in alcohol policy formulation, implementation, or enforcement;
- Government partnerships or agreements with the alcohol industry;
- Government granting incentives, privileges, or benefits to alcohol industry,
- Government officials or politicians with current or former roles in the alcohol industry.
Ireland was the only one of the five European counties (the others being Finland, Lithuania, Netherlands, and Norway) that had all five indicators. The research also examined “indicators of government safeguards” to limit industry influence.
These indicators were:
- Policies that limit government interactions with alcohol industry;
- Policies that prohibit contributions from alcohol industry to government;
- Policies that prohibit contributions from alcohol industry to political parties;
- Policies that prohibit contributions from alcohol industry to politicians and
- Policies that require government or politicians to make public records of meetings or interactions with alcohol industry.
It found that Ireland scored four out of five of these indicators, with the last one — records of meetings — the sole safeguard in place.
Concluding, the research said: “We found high levels of alcohol industry penetration and very limited government safeguards against alcohol industry influence across 24 diverse jurisdictions.
“Learning from experiences in tobacco control, governments should adopt stronger measures to protect policies from the alcohol industry’s vested interests, including restricting interactions and partnerships with the alcohol industry, limiting political contributions and enhancing transparency.”
Sheila Gilheany of Alcohol Action Ireland said: “Alcohol industry access to policy-making in Ireland is extensive.
"It is clear from lobbying returns that industry meets frequently with government officials and senior politicians across multiple departments. This is shocking given this industry costs Ireland at least €12 billion annually.
“Such access has the effect of stymieing progress in tackling the multiple issues around alcohol in Ireland with policy makers absorbing industry narratives and being deflected from taking the common-sense measures that have widespread public support such as controls on alcohol advertising and licensing hours.”
Drinks Ireland said the sector was a “driver of economic prosperity”, creating jobs and acting as a catalyst for wider economic activity. in many rural areas.
“An industry of this magnitude and reach has the right to engage with policymakers in this capacity and seek vital business supports where necessary,” the statement said.
“We do so in line with transparency and lobby register standards and requirements.
“Drinks Ireland believes that there is insufficient engagement with industry on alcohol related policy and legislation.”
It said that the findings seemed to show that Ireland “differs little” from the findings of other countries.
The statement said Drinks Ireland wanted a Government strategy of “proper engagement” with the industry, adding: “This has been lacking in recent years, with policy makers adopting policies that rely on outdated stereotypes.”
The Department of Health told the that five key provisions of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 “have come into effect”.
These provisions relate to:
- Alcohol advertising in certain locations and events;
- Alcohol sponsorship at certain events;
- Separation of alcohol products from other retail products;
- Minimum unit pricing;
- Regulation of alcohol promotions.
It said a broadcasting watershed provision will come into effect in January 2025, while provision on the labelling of alcohol products will commence on May 22, 2026.
It added that the Department of Justice had responsibility for alcohol licensing laws and that the Department of Finance dealt with alcohol taxation.