Enda Kenny
Question:99 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is intended to ban advertising of alcohol on television in view of the statistics of abuse of alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13380/01]
Written Answers - Alcohol Advertising.
The issue of alcohol advertising is a complex one which I am currently examining. A number of actions were taken which are relevant to this issue. Research into the impact of alcohol advertising on young people was commissioned by the health promotion unit of my Department. The results of this will be available shortly and will inform future action. I have asked the Advertising Standards Authority to include some new recommendations in their 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 underage, 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 underage customers and they should post educational messages about responsible drinking.