Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her reaction to the belief from the European Commission that sponsorship of sports events by brewers and distillers encourages youth drinking; to provide the most up to date figures of average annual drink consumption here in comparison to other EU countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29521/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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A number of the recommendations contained in the Interim Report of the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol concern a reduction in the exposure of children and adolescents to alcohol advertising, marketing and sponsorship. In response to these, my Department entered into negotiations with the broadcasting, media and drinks industries while at the same time pursuing the development of legislation to restrict alcohol advertising, sponsorship and sales promotions/marketing practices. It was agreed that the industry would respond on an incremental basis. This has resulted in the establishment of Central Copy Clearance Ireland which addresses the issue of the content of advertisements, the development of a Voluntary Code of Practice on Advertising which addresses the issue of placement and the establishment of the Alcohol Marketing and Communications Monitoring Body to oversee the implementation of the Voluntary Code. As the Minister for Health and Children has previously indicated, she will await the Annual Report of the Monitoring Body before deciding on future actions in relation to legislation on this issue. Negotiations with the industry stakeholders are ongoing and will include the issue of sponsorship.

The Health Promotion Policy Unit of my Department has also engaged directly with national sporting organisations. The GAA has, in association with the Unit, appointed a dedicated project officer to address the issue of alcohol and drug misuse. The officer will be responsible for carrying out a number of initiatives including the development of a Code of Conduct for local clubs and a review of drug and alcohol issues arising at club level.

The Department and the Health Service Executive have also had discussions with the Football Association of Ireland regarding alcohol related issues. The table contains the most up to date statistics on alcohol consumption available from the World Health Organisation.