Pat Rabbitte
Question:106 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has any plans to provide for further control or restriction on advertisements promoting alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7120/01]
Written Answers. - Alcohol Advertisements.
The health promotion unit of my Department has commissioned research into the impact of alcohol advertising on young people. The results of this research will be available later this year and it is expected that the outcome of this will help inform any further action in this area.
I have also asked the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland to include some new recommendations in its updated advertising code. These recommendations state that the content of advertising should not create the impression that the drinking of alcohol contributes to social and sexual success; that the placement of alcohol advertising should not be permitted in the media where more than 25% of the audience is under age; that those who promote or advertise alcohol on line should provide mechanisms for parents to prevent their children's access to that advertising; that advertisers of alcohol should avoid content that is attractive to under age customers and they should post educational messages about responsible drinking.