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22/10/2009
EU Says No Minimum Price On Cigs
The European Court of Justice has ruled Ireland cannot set minimum prices for tobacco products.
The ruling, announced today, declared that since a minimum price would distort competition and benefits manufacturers, it was an unconstitutional from of action.
The declaration came in the form of an opinion by the court's Advocate General.
In December 2006 the European Commission wrote to the Irish Government saying that the policy of setting minimum retail prices for cigarettes was contrary to EU law since it limited the freedom of producers and manufacturers to determine their selling prices.
However, after Ireland failed to legislate for the relevant EU directive the EC took Ireland to the European Court of Justice, before finally making its ruling today.
The news will come as a double embarrassment for the Government after stirring a vocal reaction amongst opposition parties and backbenchers over new proposals to further reduce the drink driving limit.
The bill was said to have been "kicked into touch" following assertions that the bill would not be supported.
On Tuesday night, Mr Cowen and Mr Dempsey called on backbenchers to reflect on their positions at the end of a heated parliamentary party meeting.
(DW/BMcC)
The ruling, announced today, declared that since a minimum price would distort competition and benefits manufacturers, it was an unconstitutional from of action.
The declaration came in the form of an opinion by the court's Advocate General.
In December 2006 the European Commission wrote to the Irish Government saying that the policy of setting minimum retail prices for cigarettes was contrary to EU law since it limited the freedom of producers and manufacturers to determine their selling prices.
However, after Ireland failed to legislate for the relevant EU directive the EC took Ireland to the European Court of Justice, before finally making its ruling today.
The news will come as a double embarrassment for the Government after stirring a vocal reaction amongst opposition parties and backbenchers over new proposals to further reduce the drink driving limit.
The bill was said to have been "kicked into touch" following assertions that the bill would not be supported.
On Tuesday night, Mr Cowen and Mr Dempsey called on backbenchers to reflect on their positions at the end of a heated parliamentary party meeting.
(DW/BMcC)
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05 March 2010
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EU Court Says Minimum Cigarette Price Unlawful
The Court of Justice of the European Union has found Ireland's legislation on minimum price fixing for cigarettes contravenes EU law. The court found that similar laws in Austria and France were also in violation of a European Directive, which has rules on excise duty affecting the consumption of tobacco products.
20 January 2012
Ireland And UK To Coordinate Minimum Price For Drink
The Government has said that initiatives to tackle low cost drink will be carried out in tandem with the UK. Speaking about the possible enforcement of a minimum price for alcoholic drinks, Fine Gael Cork North Central Deputy, Dara Murphy, said the debate around tackling the sale of low cost alcohol had already commenced.
Ireland And UK To Coordinate Minimum Price For Drink
The Government has said that initiatives to tackle low cost drink will be carried out in tandem with the UK. Speaking about the possible enforcement of a minimum price for alcoholic drinks, Fine Gael Cork North Central Deputy, Dara Murphy, said the debate around tackling the sale of low cost alcohol had already commenced.
20 January 2011
'Minimum Price' Could Curb Irish Booze Abuse
Just a few months after 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 are launching a joint consultation on minimum pricing for alcohol - and including the Irish Republic in the project.
'Minimum Price' Could Curb Irish Booze Abuse
Just a few months after 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 are launching a joint consultation on minimum pricing for alcohol - and including the Irish Republic in the project.
17 October 2022
Power NI To Increase Electricity Tariffs By 60.5%
Northern Ireland's largest electricity supplier, Power NI is set to increase its tariff by 60.5% from 1 November 2022, impacting over 471,000 households. However, this significant increase will be offset by the UK Government Energy Price Guarantee Scheme that will take effect for all domestic energy consumers on the same date.
Power NI To Increase Electricity Tariffs By 60.5%
Northern Ireland's largest electricity supplier, Power NI is set to increase its tariff by 60.5% from 1 November 2022, impacting over 471,000 households. However, this significant increase will be offset by the UK Government Energy Price Guarantee Scheme that will take effect for all domestic energy consumers on the same date.
04 August 2015
Minimum Alcohol Pricing Could Save Lives - FG
The introduction of a minimum price for alcohol could save hundreds of lives every year, Fine Gael said. Speaking in the Dáil, TD for Dun Laoghaire, May Mitchell O'Connor, said: "Three people are dying every day due to alcohol and 2,000 hospital beds are occupied every night by people with alcohol related illnesses.
Minimum Alcohol Pricing Could Save Lives - FG
The introduction of a minimum price for alcohol could save hundreds of lives every year, Fine Gael said. Speaking in the Dáil, TD for Dun Laoghaire, May Mitchell O'Connor, said: "Three people are dying every day due to alcohol and 2,000 hospital beds are occupied every night by people with alcohol related illnesses.
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Ireland WeatherToday:A mainly dry although with a fair amount of cloud with only a few sunny intervals. Overnight fog patches lifting this morning. A few showers possible across Fermanagh. Light winds. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Chance of one or two showers across the south at first this evening. Otherwise it will be a dry night with a few fog patches. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
