Vol. 525 No. 2
882 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at least one financial institution, while addressing school pupils about careers in banking, used the opportunity to market with blandishments the opening of accounts to persons under 16 years of age; if there are any guidelines on this matter; and the steps he will take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24270/00]
I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and giving me an opportunity to clarify the existing policy of the Department of Education and Science on such matters. Implicit in the issue which the Deputy has raised is the exploitation of schools, their pupils and parents by companies in pursuit of opportunities to expand their market share. I assure the Deputy that the use of educationally linked promotional activity with such solely commercial motives cannot be condoned under any circumstances and my Department is careful not to endorse any such promotions.
In the commercial world, private companies are free to promote their businesses in accordance with accepted marketing practices, such as the provision of vouchers which can be redeemed for a variety of purposes. There are also accepted marketing standards, such as compliance with advertising regulations which guide, inform and control the relationship between the vendor and potential customers. I recognise the sensitivities attached to the issue of promotion initiatives linking schools, pupils and parents to commercial activity. However, it would be inappropriate to prohibit marketing or sponsorship initiatives provided such schemes do not place undue pressure on parents in terms of requiring additional expenditure, that children are protected from engagement in inappropriate promotional activity and that the schemes are linked to desirable projects serving national educational initiatives.
Official circulars were issued by my Department to the management authorities and principals of primary and second level schools concerning the promotion and marketing of commercial products through schools. The circulars noted the Minister's concern at the pressure on schools from time to time to become involved in the marketing and promotion of commercial products.
The circulars impress on school authorities the need to consider carefully the implication of allowing situations to develop which would result in undue pressure to purchase particular commercial products. It is my policy to request the co-operation of school authorities in taking steps to eliminate any undesirable practices in this regard and in formulating agreed school policies in relation to commercial promotions.
