Vol. 519 No. 6
57 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the action, if any, he will take to effect a ban on cigarette advertising and sponsorship as and from 1 July 2000 as previously announced; the reason no legal mechanism has yet been put in place to effect a ban in this regard. [14410/00]
Under existing regulations the amount of money that may be spent by tobacco companies on tobacco advertising and sponsorship is as determined from time to time by the Minister for Health and Children. No new legal mechanism is therefore required to effect a ban.
I have advised the tobacco industry that no further expenditure will be allowed after 1 July this year on tobacco advertising and sponsorship other than for limited retail and trade advertising. This is in line with the EU directive banning tobacco advertising and sponsorship.
I have asked the new Office of Tobacco Control to work closely, as a priority, with my Department to formulate a comprehensive tobacco Bill.
