Alcohol Marketing.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 November 2008

Thursday, 13 November 2008

Ceisteanna (127)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

125 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the consultative panel to advise the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body as proposed in the revised codes of practice on alcohol marketing, communications and advertising to young people published in July 2008 has been established; if so, the membership of same; if not, when it will be established; if she will ensure that organisations representing children and young people will be represented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40570/08]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Mary Wallace)

My Department established the independent Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body to monitor the implementation of, and adherence to, the codes on alcohol advertising by advertisers and media owners. To date, the two annual reports prepared by the body found that there was general compliance with the codes. In order to bring the views of a broader constituent of stakeholders on the operation and implementation of the codes to the attention of the body, it has been agreed to establish a consultative panel to the body. This consultative panel has not yet been established. My Department is in the process of consulting with the code partners before issuing invitations to join the consultative panel. I assure the Deputy that my Department intends to have the views of children and young people represented on the consultative panel.