Jimmy Harte (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senators Coghlan and Bradford on the need for a debate on alcohol abuse. I said on local radio this morning that drinks companies are claiming that without their sponsorship many sports events would not survive but there are many companies outside the drinks trade that would step into the position if they got the chance to sponsor.

There is a definite link between sponsorship of sports by brands of drink and alcohol abuse and the drink companies know that. In France, where the Heineken Cup is as popular as it is here, it is called the H Cup because alcohol sponsorship is banned in France. French rugby is not damaged in any way by not having alcohol companies sponsoring it.

We must go down this road if we are serious about alcohol abuse. We should have a drug abuse day, as Senator Bradford said, or a national day for older people or children. To have almost a national holiday for Arthur's Day links directly to alcohol abuse. If drinks companies can get such advertising, they will and we must control it. Alcohol is a drug, it is not for recreation and we should recognise that. I join the calls to have it debated here and I am sure every Member will have a view on it.