Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In respect of the minimum pricing issue, if it kicks in and how it will kick in, I ask the Minister of State to clarify the matter. Sterling is worth 90c now but it is volatile. Can she change the provision if sterling gains parity in a few years' time? Parity with sterling would have a major effect on the economy of the Border region. If there is a sea change in sterling, what knock-on effect will that have on the entire Border region? As much as we can have a minimum price we must also have an opportunity to take it out as well because I cannot forecast what will happen to sterling next month or in the future and I do not think the Minister of State or her officials can either. Brexit and everything that is associated with the Border region at the moment indicates that the economy is exceptionally volatile and sterling is a key issue in that entire dynamic. We must consider how we deal with the issue going forward.

In respect of sponsorship, the sports industry sponsors sports clubs and in my neck of the woods every major nightclub has a sports award. How does that scenario fit into this Bill? It is all very well to impose a ban on alcohol advertisements. What happens when the major driver in a locality becomes the major driver behind a sports award that is advertised in every newspaper using all types of publicity? How does a monthly award, a yearly award, a quarterly award and an award for an award fit into the actual issues? All of these awards ceremonies take place in huge nightclubs located in districts and regions that we are associated with. It is a huge issue that we must grapple with. As much as we are saying that alcohol advertisements will be phased out, how will we deal with the internal view of tying it together?