Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2019
279. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to prohibit the use of sponsorship on children’s replica jerseys when that sponsor is a gambling company or promotes gambling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39717/19]
View answerThe Deputy raises an interesting issue with regard to sponsors names carried on replica jerseys. Such jerseys are popular with both adults and children.
My understanding is that most Irish based professional sports clubs do not feature jersey sponsorship from licenced gambling companies. However, the same cannot be said for English Premiership football clubs. Such clubs have large followings in Ireland and feature regularly on television. However, the primary television companies in this regard are not based in this jurisdiction.
The Deputy will appreciate that I have no statutory function in regard to the selling of replica shirts or the sponsors mentioned thereon. I am not aware of any specific statutory provision that regulates what sponsors names might be legally carried on such jerseys. Any potential prohibitions applying to only certain business activities might invite court challenge.
I am sure that the Deputy would agree with me that if parents or guardians have concerns about the business activities of the team sponsors, they should make their views known to the sports clubs in question.
