asked the Minister for Health the total sum spent by his Department on anti-cigarette smoking propaganda (a) in newspapers, (b) on television and (c) on radio.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Anti-Cigarette Smoking Campaign.
17.
The total amount spent by my Department on anti-smoking publicity since 1st April, 1970, under the headings indicated was as follows: (a) Newspapers, £7,464; (b) Television, £26,482; (c) Radio, £394.
In addition, approximately £14,000 was spent on other forms of anti-smoking publicity, including advertisements in periodicals, printing of posters, prizes for competitions, et cetera. I anticipate a further expenditure of around £20,000 on anti-smoking publicity from now to the end of the current financial year, most of which will be on television costs.
As I indicated in reply to the Deputy's questions on this subject on 9th February and 23rd June, 1971, Radio Telefís Éireann has also shown some anti-smoking filmlets without charge, as part of their public service contribution.
Has the Minister any idea how much tobacco interests spend on newspaper advertising and does he appreciate how pitifully inadequate is the amount which he is paying out in relation to the advertisements? I must confess I have not seen a single Department of Health newspaper advertisement. That may be because I was not particularly attentive but they did not impinge on my consciousness as did the tobacco advertisements.
I am quite satisfied with the publicity campaign as it is at present being conducted. It is true, of course, that the tobacco companies spend very much larger sums on advertising cigarettes.
Does the Minister intend to ask the tobacco companies to discontinue their advertising on radio?
That is a separate question.
I have already indicated to the Deputy the policy in regard to advertising. It has been restricted in regard to Press; it has been stopped in regard to television. I have given the Deputy a full reply in regard to my policy in that regard.
It is revenue above morality.