Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Dr. Geoffrey Shannon. He has always been very generous with his time in appearing for the committee. Each year he has appeared before the committee there have been recurring recommendations. As the author of this report, does he believe it would be appropriate to introduce an implementation plan, or a timeframe, to ensure he is not just labouring in vain and that the Government of the day, whatever its colour, implements the recommendations? Dr. Shannon submitted his report at the beginning of last year but it was not published until November of last year. I imagine he is nearly at the stage of submitting last year's report but we are talking about the report from two years ago. We need to have the structure in place and an implementation plan. I would like to hear Dr. Shannon's views on that.

Last year Dr. Shannon raised the issue of alcohol abuse and the significant role that plays in child welfare and protection. Today he cited Article 19 and what he considers one of the most fundamental rights, the right of the child not to be used and neglected. I would like to hear his opinion on the watering down of the Government's commitment to ban alcohol advertising. Does he believe that it is a retrograde step?