Cross-border minimum price on alcohol considered for Ireland and Northern Ireland

Health authorities on both sides of the border in Ireland are considering a minimum price for alcohol.

The proposals were outlined at the first formal North/South conference on alcohol misuse, held in Armagh on Thursday, according to the BBC.

Northern Irish Health Minister Edwin Poots was joined by the Irish Republic's Health Minister Dr James Reilly and Minister of State for Health Roisin Shortall.

They said they hoped to agree a minimum drink price before December 2012.

Alcohol misuse is estimated to cost Northern Ireland up to £900m every year.

In November, the Scottish government made a second bid to bring in legislation which would set a minimum price for a unit of alcohol.

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By Neil Gerrard

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