Professor Joe Barry:

I was on the task force, as were Dr. Flannery and the others, and it recommended a phased reduction. The same issue arose in the context of tobacco sponsorship approximately ten or 15 years ago. Some non-alcohol companies will sponsor sports. We all want sporting organisations to flourish, but we believe they have been completely influenced by the alcohol industry. If I was working for the alcohol industry, I would be doing what it is doing and trying to minimise the harm my product causes and trying to associate it with positive health. This issue first arose about 2002 and the industry was concerned then that a ban would be introduced before the 2002 soccer world cup. A generation of youngsters has been exposed to alcohol advertising since then and we have a very young age for the onset of drinking. Other sponsors could be found for sporting organisations, such as sponsors from the mobile technology area.

Reading between the lines of what the GAA, the FAI and the IRFU have said, there are probably differences in the degree of dependence on alcohol sponsorship. However, it is unacceptable that our major sporting bodies are dismissing the evidence and saying they must continue to get funding through alcohol sponsorship. We have a duty of care to our children. Clubs must not be under any illusion that if they accept alcohol sponsorship, this will not increase drinking among young people. They cannot pretend this is not a problem. That is the reason I am saddened by the fact the sporting bodies have completely accepted the words of the drinks industry.