Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. As this Bill was introduced before her appointment, I expect she has had to catch up with the situation. I would like to speak about the provisions in the amendment before the House with regard to broadcasting. I accept that the procedures regarding the whole question of broadcasting, advertising and sponsorship are complex. That is a currently a matter for consultation. Has the Minister of State considered the question of newspaper advertisements in addition to that of broadcasting? All the Sunday newspapers - I am referring particularly to the Sunday Independent - carry approximately six pages of advertisements. I will give an example. One advertisement said that people could purchase a bottle of gin for €20 even though it would cost a publican between €22 and €25 to buy the same bottle. According to the same advertisement, a bottle of brandy can be bought for €30 even though it would cost a publican €35 to buy it. I checked these prices yesterday at various cash-and-carry outlets. After the publican has bought the bottle of brandy for €35, he or she has to add the additional percentage of VAT that applies to the sale of that drink. The point I am making is that the under-cost selling of alcohol in supermarkets is one of the biggest dangers in relation to drink, as far as I can see.