James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan may find that he is wrong. There has been much negotiation. In fairness, we must allow the sporting organisations to replace their current advertisers and sponsors with others. They stated the same about tobacco advertising when it was removed and, sadly, there is still 29% prevalence of tobacco smoking in the country. Happily, I am able to say there has been an 8% reduction in the number of those aged 12 smoking, which is good news because, like I say, the advertising is focused on children. It is the same with alcohol. However, alcohol is very different from tobacco. No consumption of tobacco is at a safe level. Every cigarette harms you and one out of two smokers will die earlier. However, alcohol can be a normal part of life, in terms of sensible drinking as a social lubricant, etc. The issue is its abuse and young people starting to drink alcohol too young and developing bad habits. Minimum pricing is a significant issue for us. I note the Scottish Government has got it through.

We are examining its legislation. We want to promote that also. We have had very good conversations with Minister Poots in the North and we want to move on these issues simultaneously as one so there will be no cross-Border activity being promoted that would be counter-productive from a public health perspective.

I have already covered the issue of the cochlear implants. Deputy Lynch will talk more about it. She will also deal with care for the elderly in Cardonagh but I must make two points about it, however. I acknowledge we have not had an overly political conversation here but the reality-----