Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Legislation promised in this area relates to the alcohol products control of advertising, sponsorship and marketing practices-sales promotion Bill, which is designed to protect children and adolescents from over-exposure to alcohol advertising. The Minister has received the first report from the monitoring group established to oversee adherence to the voluntary codes. The Department and the Minister are considering the report and a decision on whether the legislation will be reactivated has not been made. I take the Deputy's point that alcohol abuse, as we see in that report, has long-term and short-term consequences for the health of the nation. It requires constant vigilance on our part to implement alcohol policies which lead to responsible drinking and avoid abuse. Unfortunately we have seen recently what many would regard as irresponsible behaviour from a cohort of people, particularly at weekends. Responsible Ministers in various areas will have to take the matter on board and respond more effectively.

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