Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Picture posed by models. Cathal McNaughton/PA Wire/Press Association Images
The Daily PollPoll: Should the government raise taxes on alcohol?
A HSE report has on alcohol abuse has urged the government to raise tax on alcohol – saying that it would help combat social and economic problems associated with abuse. What do you think?
ALCOHOL ABUSE IN Ireland has cost the State €3.7 billion up to the year 2007, according a study on the issue by the HSE.
The report states that the government has to foot the bill for the results of alcohol abuse across a variety of sectors – from health issues to work-related accidents. It shows that the Department of Justice alone spends approximately 13 per cent of its budget directly on dealing with alcohol-related crime.
The report urges the government to consider raising taxes on alcohol, saying that it will help to combat social and economic problems associated with alcohol abuse.
However, a spokesperson for the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland toldTheJournal.ie that the figures contained in the reports were “totally out of date”.
“The report is based on statistics up to 2007 and, in many cases, significantly before then… Increasing prices will simply penalise the average consumer who enjoys alcohol responsibly and will encourage further cross-border purchasing of alcohol to the detriment of local jobs and the national economy,” he said.
What do you think – should the government raise taxes on alcohol?
Poll Results:
No (888)
Yes, the overall price should be raised (392)
Yes, as long as the extra cost is covered by the industry - not the consumer (268)
I don't know (46)
have your say