(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the percentage of the total revenue received from advertising on television from advertising of alcoholic beverages.
48.
Written Answers. - TV Liquor Advertising Revenue.
47.
(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will consider the phasing out of advertising of alcohol on RTE.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
RTE have advised that in the year ended 30th September, 1975, revenue from advertising alcoholic beverages accounted for 7.6 per cent of the total television advertising revenue.
The question of phasing out advertising of alcohol on RTE is a matter for decision by the RTE Authority. On the general question of advertising alcohol by RTE, discussions were held between officials of my Department and the Department of Health and the RTE Authority in 1973 following which RTE drew up a specific code for television advertising of alcoholic beverages which is more restrictive than that drawn up by the Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland in respect of advertising of alcoholic drink generally. I understand that the situation is kept constantly under review and that a further restriction was added by RTE since the code was brought into operation about two years ago. The Complaints Advisory Committee which I appointed two years ago will examine any complaints that advertisements broadcast by RTE are in conflict with the code.