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Political Reporter
The Government is examining the possibility of banning cheap alcohol sales without waiting to move in tandem with Northern Ireland.
Legislation to introduce minimum unit pricing was passed by the Oireachtas in 2018 but the measure has not yet been introduced.
The Government has previously insisted that it would introduce price curbs at the same time as Northern Ireland to discourage people crossing the border to buy cheap alcohol.
But Northern Ireland s Health Minister Robin Swann has now said minimum unit pricing will not be introduced until after the Assembly elections in May next year.
It is understood that Junior Minister with responsibility for public health Frank Feighan does not want to wait another year to introduce the measures.
Health Minister Robin Swann ‘blindsided by Republic s AstraZeneca vaccine move Health Minister Robin Swann. Picture from Pacemaker David Young, PA 15 March, 2021 17:20
Health Minister Robin Swann has expressed disappointment that he only learned of the move to suspend AstraZeneca vaccines in the Republic of Ireland through the media.
Robin Swann has asked for a review of a memorandum of understanding between health authorities on both sides of the border that was supposed to enhance information-sharing on Covid-19 issues.
Mr Swann said the lack of advance notice on the decision to temporarily pause the rollout of the jab in the Republic came amid ongoing difficulties securing passenger locator data from the authorities in Dublin.