Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their presentations. As I studied marketing in college, when Dr. Kenny began his presentation, it felt a little like I was back all those years ago. I found his presentation fascinating. When I was preparing a report on alcohol-related harm, I read about a strategy, I think, in California which asked the drinks industry to fund a public health campaign. The industry had to provide equivalent funding for the public health campaign in order that advertisements would be of a similar colour, style etc., or else there would be a ban on advertising. The industry very quickly stated it needed to withdraw from advertising. This is an indication of how much money was being put into advertising and influencing.

I was surprised to read the statement by the AAI that we had the most comprehensive and strictest codes in the world. I would like to know what the evidence for this is because it is certainly not my experience. I do not have all of my files with, but I was surprised to read that statement. Because of the nature of my work with the Children's Rights Alliance and as a Senator, I have had the privilege of meeting many children's groups and very often will ask them what is their favourite advertisement. I can give a guarantee that alcohol advertisements will be in the top three. Whether it is intentional, the reality is that the message is getting through to children and this is an issue that should concern us as members of the health committee.

We have heard contradictory statements from the NYCI and the AAI on the 9 p.m. watershed. The AAI advises us of the loss of revenue to Irish television and radio stations, while the NYCI states that if we do not have one, we will be out of line with many other EU countries. Are we actually talking about the United Kingdom and is it the case that we have to engage with it? I would like to drill down into that matter a little more.

The NYCI raised an interesting issue about outdoor advertising, including at successive bus stops. While the code has positive elements, there are ways industry has found to push this aspect.

What is the NYCI's view on the role of education and information provision? It is something on which we are being lobbied. We are hearing that if we were to provide more information on alcohol-related harm, we could change the out-of-control drinking culture among young people.

Mr. Doorley mentioned the social responsibility levy. Will he advise us on how it would work and whether he has put proposals to the Department of Finance?

Prior to referring to point No. 7, Dr. Kenny mentioned online activity, which is a source of concern for me and others. When I look at YouTube clips I see one set of ads, but when my nephews who are in their late teens view such clips, they are more likely to see advertisements by the drinks industry, which proves that there is targeted marketing. Therefore, online marketing is an issue.

In point No. 7 Dr. Kenny mentions outdoor advertisements and sports sponsorship. It is a children's rights issue in that we should protect children from the influence of marketing. I concur with my colleagues and question why we have not set a date to put a ban in place.

A question was asked as to how youth work organisations viewed sports sponsorship. I have experience of being a volunteer in a youth work organisation and under our codes we could not take money from the drinks industry, yet we have been told that sports sponsorship is different. Youth work organisations have a tremendous reach across Ireland. We should, therefore, adopt a consistent approach when considering the needs of young people.