Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On subhead B3, the Minister is awaiting a report with regard to the drugs task forces and their effect, and there are some recommendations thereon. One of the key issues being discussed is the whole issue of alcohol and its abuse among young people. I know a debate is ongoing with regard to whether sports organisations should be able to avail of sponsorship from the drinks industry. At some stage, we have to make a decision as to what policy is going to be pursued by the Government in regard to trying to reduce the prevalence of alcohol abuse among young people. In that context, the drugs task forces are falling off the cliff to a certain extent in terms of being able to deal with the problems they are facing, there is no clear, defined policy as to what we are going to do in regard to alcohol abuse among young people and there is drift with regard to the prevalence of off-licences and the access to cheap alcohol. One can look at studies from countries around the world and see there is a direct correlation between the price and availability of alcohol and alcohol abuse among young people. When will the reviews be completed and when will a decision be made on what policy will be pursued with regard to the whole issue of sponsorship and the price of alcohol?