asked the Minister for Health if he has considered, in view of the growing problem of alcoholism in this country, the enactment of legislation to forbid the advertising of alcoholic beverages on television; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Television Drink Advertisements.
16.
As indicated in replies to previous questions on this subject, my policy has been consistently directed towards restraint and responsibility in the advertising of alcoholic liquor rather than towards its cessation or prohibition.
In pursuance of this policy a voluntary code of practice has been secured with the advertising and brewing interests. A revision of this code was agreed in May of this year, that is, approximately six months ago, and I suggest it would be fair to wait and see how the revised code will work.
The Minister will agree that there are young people who are impressionable and that these advertisements can undo a lot of the work being planned by the Minister. This is something he should take into consideration even in relation to a reduction in the extent of advertising —some way in which young people might not be exposed to this bombardment, as I would call it, which will undo the work being planned by the Minister.
I think this is a debatable question. I certainly will consider it but I doubt whether if advertising were stopped, it could materially reduce the excessive drinking in this country. I grant that it is a disputable question.