Vol. 531 No. 4
80 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he will take arising from the recent criticism by the World Health Organisation of the promotion of alcohol through advertising by the drinks industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5957/01]
The health promotion unit of my Department commissioned research into the impact of alcohol advertising on young people. The results will be available later this year and the outcome of this will help to inform further action in this area.
I asked the Advertising Standards Authority to include some new recommendations in their updated advertising code. These recommendations include that the content of advertising should not create the impression that alcohol drinking contributes to social and sexual success, that the placement of alcohol advertising should not be permitted in the media where more than 25% of the audience is under age, that those who promote or advertise alcohol on line should provide mechanisms for parents to prevent children's access to that advertising, that advertisers of alcohol should avoid content that is attractive to under age customers, and they should post educational messages about responsible drinking.
