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

Deputy Kelleher has raised a very valid point. I do not accept that the drugs task forces are falling off the cliff. What we are doing is reviewing their role and effectiveness. As Deputy Byrne has made clear, many people have very serious concerns about their effectiveness and the way they are operating currently. We need to ensure that, at a time of very limited resources, we are getting value for money and getting the best outcomes for those for whom we are trying to provide the service.

Part of the complication has been the fact that alcohol is involved in the drugs task forces in terms of abuse of substances because, again, it is another drug. A policy from the Department is being considered by Government at the moment, and that will go to the Select Sub-Committee on Health very shortly.

We know there is a lot of angst among sporting organisations around the idea of sponsorship but, if the Chairman can afford me a minute to do it, I believe it is worth pointing out that the earlier people drink, the more likely they are to abuse it and to have a problem with it. We need to protect young people from the advertising of alcohol in so far as we can. Major sporting events are very often large family events. Children enjoy sport and we want it to be an integral part of their growing up. We would hope it would stay with them as a habit for life and we think that is a very positive thing to do for health. However, we do not want it associated with exposure to alcohol advertising at an early age. We can ask where the evidence is to support X, Y and Z, but all we have to do if we want evidence is to ask why drinks companies spend so much money advertising alcohol if it does not improve sales. Advertising alcohol to young people will encourage them, as the curious beings they are, to try it out and start drinking at an earlier age.

As I said, we know absolutely that there is evidence that the earlier a person starts drinking, the more likely they are to have problems. We have seen the report from Dr. Stewart, who came back here from Liverpool and who was shocked at the number of young people in their 20s he was dealing with who had liver failure from cirrhosis. Cirrhosis does not develop in a year but over a number of years of heavy drinking, so these people in their 20s had to have started drinking heavily in their teens.

I believe very much that we have an obligation and a responsibility to protect our children, the next generation. My view on advertising at sporting events is well known. I am absolutely supportive of the Minister of State, Deputy White, in this regard. While I know others may have different views, the Government will make its decision in due course, and that due course is not long away.