Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire go dtí an Teach chun an Bille seo a phlé. Ba mhaith liom aontú le mórán a bhfuil ráite ag an Seanadóir O'Toole. Aontáim leis gur cóir go mbeadh muintir na nGaeltachtaí agus Gaelgeoirí úsáid a bhaint as ár dteanga dhúchais i gcónaí. Tá dualgas orainn go léir atá ag obair sa Stát Seirbhís ní hamháin an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn ach í a choimeád beo agus a chosaint, go mór mhór sna Gaeltachtaí.

On the other amendment regarding advertising, I am not sure of the mechanics of some of the amendments proposed and how effective or otherwise they would be in practice. However, I am taken by the sentiments expressed and Senator O'Reilly's suggestion could be taken on board. Section 42(4) specifies:

A broadcasting code prepared by the Authority under subsection (2)(g) may prohibit the advertising in a broadcasting service of a particular class or classes of foods and beverages considered by the Authority to be the subject of public concern in respect of the general public health interests of children.

That is commendable and I welcome it in the Bill and, hopefully, in the Act. Although it refers to "foods and beverages", it also specifies "in particular those which contain fat, trans-fatty acids, salts or sugars" but does not mention alcohol. That should be examined. Obesity is a recognised problem in society. The solution needs to begin at an early age and children need to be encouraged to be active. Many schools are taking initiatives in that regard, and this is welcome. Equally, there is now clear recognition that the temptation for youngsters to become involved with alcohol at an early age is neither good for them, for their health now or in the future, nor for society. As food and beverages, including the sugar content of some of the minerals that youngsters drink, are dealt with, there is a corollary that it would be a contradiction to exclude alcohol. Advertising is not the sole influence in regard to drink but it is a significant factor.

I tend to disagree with some of the comments made in criticism of the drinks industry. The drinks industry has a duty to itself commercially and to its shareholders to promote the sale of its products in the same way any other product is promoted. However, there is an onus on us, as legislators, to consider the health effects and to ensure appropriate measures are put in place. Leaving a code to the authority in the first instance would be a good first step in this regard.

I have difficulty understanding why alcohol is excluded in the last line of this subsection, and while there may be a good reason for this, it is not apparent to me. This issue should be considered and the general sentiment of what is being expressed could in some way be incorporated before Report Stage so the authority would be empowered, if it sees fit, to make provisions in a code which would influence a more mature and responsible engagement with drink, particularly for those at a young age and in adolescence.