Peter Barry
Question:229 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Health if there are proposals to ban all tobacco advertising in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tobacco Advertising.
The present position in this country is that the advertising of tobacco products is confined to printed publications intended primarily for persons over 18 years of age and within sales outlets. There are strict restrictions of advertising content and alternating health warnings on cigarette packets are compulsory.
The European Commission proposed a total ban on advertising of tobacco products, except within specialist tobacco sales outlets, in May 1991.
In discussions which have taken place at the Health Council my predecessors have consistently supported the principle of a Community ban. I am fully in agreement with this approach and will be speaking in support of the Commission's proposal at the next Health Council in May.
Ireland is particularly vulnerable to overspill advertising and I consider that a European Community ban is necessary to achieve the effective removal of tobacco advertisements here. I am not convinced that a total national ban would in itself be sufficient. Therefore I have no immediate plans to introduce further measures in this country.