Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their presentations. I refer to a paragraph in the presentation made by Mr. White on codes of practice. It reads:

The RRAI has consistently supported the replacement of the existing voluntary code of practice in mixed trading premises with a statutory code with strengthened provisions on the display and sale of alcohol in mixed trade stores.

Will he outline what is meant by "strengthened provisions on the display and sale of alcohol in mixed trade stores?" It is quite obvious where alcohol is located for sale in stores of between 3,500 and 4,000 sq. ft. In fact, it is nearly the first thing that catches a person's eye when he or she walks into most premises. Once I step inside the door I can clearly see alcohol for sale. What is the code in such circumstances?

I wish to raise the issue of young people drinking with the NYCI. It is acknowledged that it is a major problem. Interestingly, research carried out for the Young Scientist Exhibition this year showed that there was a huge connection between the attitude to alcohol of parents and that of students. How much of a difference would it make if we we were to stop all alcohol advertisements and sponsorship by drinks companiesd in the morning? In view of the research findings, how much of a difference does the NYCI think such an initiative would make? I am at a disadvantage as I have not seen the full presentation on the research findings. Clearly, they indicate that children are hugely influenced by the attitudes of their parents to alcohol. In the past ten or 15 years there has been a huge increase in the number of off-licence premises and a corresponding increase in the volume of alcohol consumed. From the experience of the NYCI, what difference would such legislation make? About what timescale is it talking?

In recent years it appears that people start are starting to drink at a younger age. What is the NYCI's experience in this regard?