Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Written Answers - Alcohol Advertising.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

317 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will undertake a campaign to ban the advertising of alcohol on television having regard to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11772/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The issue of alcohol advertising is a complex one which I am currently examining. A number of actions have been taken which are relevant to this issue. These are as follows. First, research into the impact of alcohol advertising on young people has been commissioned by the health promotion unit of my Department. The results of this research will be available shortly and will inform future action in this area.

Second, I have asked the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland to include some new recommendations in its updated advertising code. These include: that the content of advertising should not create the impression that alcohol drinking 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; and that advertisers of alcohol should avoid content that is attractive to under age customers and should post educational messages about responsible drinking.