Mr. Páraic Duffy:

I will respond to a fair question by Deputy Phelan that was not answered. She asked whether we could not look for alternative sponsors. Mr. Browne and Mr. Delaney may answer for themselves. The sponsorship market for sport has never been more difficult than it is now, and the first challenge is to retain sponsors. The revenue generated from sources other than the alcoholic drinks industry and all other forms of sponsorship has fallen considerably. We have all suffered in that regard.

Senator Coghlan mentioned sponsorship by Nestlé's Kit Kat brand. It is very hard to get alternative sponsors. It presents a considerable challenge. I accept Deputy Flanagan's point that, in a perfect world with other available sponsors, alcohol industry sponsors might not be on the top of one's list. At present, alternative sponsors are really hard to get.

On Deputy Flanagan's point on alcohol, Guinness and alcohol being bad for one, that is not what this debate is about. If it is so bad, we should be talking about banning alcohol. We are talking about the effect of alcohol sponsorship on sport and drinking habits. We are entitled to say that there appears to be no evidence to back up the fact that sponsorship of sports by the alcohol industry has an impact in terms of consumption or abuse. With regard to children, none of the organisations allows any form of alcohol sponsorship on chairs.

I was asked about the cost. Australia recently introduced a system whereby some of the sporting bodies that withdrew from alcohol advertising were compensated by the Government. Perhaps that is what the members have in mind. If so, it is certainly a route that we would all be interested in considering.