30 Nov 2011, 15:28
The Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children will resume its examination of the effects of alcohol marketing on young people tomorrow, 1st December when it meets with representatives of the National Off-Licence Association and Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society Limited (MEAS).
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “We are looking forward to hearing from MEAS and the National Off-Licence Association, two key organisations involved in the alcohol industry in Ireland.
MEAS, an independent organisation set up by the alcohol manufacturers, distributors and licensed trade associations in Ireland, promotes the mature enjoyment of alcohol through its drinkaware.ie campaign. As a trade organisation concerned with the promotion, marketing and merchandising of alcohol in a responsible way, we will be particularly interested in getting that organisation’s perspective on how alcohol is currently marketed and its views on issues such as alcohol availability and use, pricing and advertising as well as its position on regulation and marketing initiatives to combat alcohol abuse.
The National Off-Licence Association represents the independent off-licences throughout Ireland. The availability of cheap alcohol which can be purchased in large quantities in particular has been highlighted as central to the problem of alcohol abuse. Our meeting will provide us with an opportunity to get the Association’s views on the changing face of alcohol retailing in Ireland and the impact this is having on alcohol consumption.
To date, we have heard some worrying facts and figures and are concerned with the marked increase in the levels of alcohol use in our young people. The advertising methods and marketing techniques used to promote alcohol use by young people need to be examined and highlighted. We look forward to hearing the views and opinions of MEAS and the National Off-Licence Association on this issue.”
This meeting will take place in Committee Room 2 Leinster House at 11.30am on Thursday, 1st December.
Committee proceedings can be followed live at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/ViewDoc.asp?fn=/documents/livewebcast/Web-Live.htm&CatID=83&m=o
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
ENDS
Committee Membership:
Deputies
Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael
Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael
Michael Colreavy, Sinn Fein
Ciara Conway, Labour Party
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael
Seamus Healy, Independent
Derek Keating, Fine Gael
Billy Kelleher, Fine Fail
Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fail
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Denis Naughten, Fine Gael
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein
Senators
Colm Burke, Fine Gael
John Crown, Independent
David Cullinane, Sine Fein
John Gilroy, Labour Party
Imelda Henry, Fine Gael
Marc Mac Sharry, Fine Fail
Jillian Van Turnhout, Independent