Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

My question has not been answered. The Tánaiste did not say how long she will give to test this voluntary code. Does she understand the voluntary code is nothing new? It appears the Tánaiste has been duped by the drinks industry. It is regarded as acceptable for 33% of people under the age of 18 to see advertisements for alcohol products on television. The Government is playing Russian roulette with children.

The Tánaiste knows from research in New Zealand and the United States that the earlier children are exposed to alcohol and alcohol advertising the worse the situation is. A third of 16 year olds binge drink every week and Irish girls have the worst record for female binge drinking throughout Europe. Does the Tánaiste realise she is presiding over a situation in which our children are more and more being pickled in a sea of alcohol?

Will the Government put measures in place to control the availability of alcohol? Will the Tánaiste ensure random testing is brought in forthwith, as recommended by her ministerial predecessors, and to which the drinks industry willingly acceded?

What is stopping the Tánaiste and the Government introducing random testing and the alcohol products Bill, which was promised? Does the Tánaiste not act on the promises made in Government? Will she implement the key recommendations of the 2004 report, to which doctors have agreed, as have Deputy Gormley and other Members of this House? Why is the Tánaiste not introducing those recommendations? The voluntary code is nothing new and will not work.

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