Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This subject was debated at today's meeting of the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications which was attended by the chief executive officers of the three main sports of rugby, soccer and the GAA. They have serious concerns about a restriction on advertising and sponsorship. They outlined issues such as the effect on local clubs. In my area it is often the case that a local club will be sponsored by the local pub and fund-raising events for the club are held in the pub. I am caught between whether I agree with a ban on advertising alcohol at matches. Where would we stop? Should McDonald's not be permitted to advertise because it encourages obesity? The same argument applies in the case of fizzy soft drinks. This debate needs a lot more thought.

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