Jim O'Keeffe
Question:22 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on cigarette advertising and the complete banning of this type of advertising. [5745/98]
Written Answers. - Tobacco Advertising.
Prohibitions and restrictions on tobacco advertising are an important part of public health policy on tackling smoking. Existing national controls on tobacco advertising are quite restrictive. Advertising is restricted to newspapers and magazines and not permitted in publications directed primarily to persons under eighteen years of age. The content of advertisements is also regulated. The amount of money that tobacco companies may spend on advertising and sponsorship is strictly controlled. Companies have not been allowed increase their annual spending in real terms since 1985. In 1996 and 1997 cuts of 5 per cent were made in approved company advertising and sponsorship budgets.
I have recently agreed new anti-smoking measures at European level involving a complete ban on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products. While there are a number of further stages to be completed before we finally adopt the measure I am confident that it will be successful. I intend to introduce the necessary legislation to give effect to the measure as soon as possible.