The Government looks set to push ahead with plans for minimum pricing on alcohol, despite a damaging opinion from a European court.

The European Court of Justice's Advocate General says a similar Scottish policy could break free trade rules, and setting a base price would only be legal if a Government could prove no other law would deliver the same health benefits.

The court is likely to make a final ruling later in the year, but any adverse ruling would put an end to Ireland's plans for minimum pricing.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar says his Department will examine today's opinion, but believes that publication of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill is a priority.

Junior Minister Kathleen Lynch says she doesn't believe minimum pricing has been derailed:

In June, an Oireachtas joint committee backed a government plan that would increase the minimum price of a 500ml can of beer to €2, a bottle of wine to over €8, and a bottle of spirits to over €24.

A 'social responsibility levy' on drink producers would capture the increased profits from the price change.

Other committee recommendations included health warnings on alcoholic products, a 9pm watershed on alcohol advertisements on TV and an end to multi-buy promotions.