Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 October 2013
275. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has met the alcohol industry or individual alcohol producing companies with regard to prohibiting sponsorship of sporting or cultural events since taking office; and if so, the number of meetings that have taken place and with whom. [41325/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the proposals with regard to prohibiting sponsorship of sporting events were presented by the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Alex White. Following on from the proposals made by the Minister of State I have had one meeting with drinks industry groups and have had no meetings with any individual alcohol producing company. On the 17 of January 2013, I met with the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) at their request. I also met with Alcohol Action Ireland, the organisation for alcohol-related issues, on 25 July 2013 at their request. In addition I have had several engagements with sporting bodies and the arts and culture festival sectors who have expressed their concerns about an end to sponsorship and impact it could have on sports, arts and culture. In addition, my colleague, the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring also met with one organisation, MEAS (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society) at their request on 8 November 2012 in relation to their work.
