Written answers

Thursday, 26 October 2006

Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism

Sports Sponsorship

5:00 pm

Photo of John PerryJohn Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the sponsorship of sporting events by alcohol brands and companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34870/06]

Photo of John O'DonoghueJohn O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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On 22 September 2004, my colleague the Minister for Health & Children launched the Second Report of the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol. My Department and the Irish Sports Council were represented on this Task Force. The Report recommended that national sporting bodies, with high youth participation, develop a proactive strategy to find an alternative to alcohol sponsorship. I support this recommendation, which is in keeping with the provisions of the Irish Sports Council's 'Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport in Ireland' to which national governing bodies of sport have signed up. The development of such a strategy is a matter for the individual national governing bodies of sport. This derives from the recognition that the independence and autonomy of sports organisations, their affiliates and individual clubs has remained a fundamental principle underpinning successive Governments' support for Irish sport.

In any debate on issues arising in connection with the sponsorship of sport, it is important to retain perspective. Governing bodies and clubs across the spectrum of sports freely acknowledge that sponsorship from the business and commercial sectors provides much needed financial, material and promotional support, which has the effect of freeing up other resources that can then be invested in the development of the sport, increased participation and improved facilities. Nevertheless, I agree that where alcohol is concerned great care has to be taken by sports organisations to ensure that the nature and extent of any sponsorship is proportionate and appropriate to the environment in which sporting activities take place. This is particularly important when it comes to assessing the effect such sponsorship could have on children and young people involved in sport.

I am pleased to say that the three major field sports, the GAA, FAI and IRFU, have moved away from sponsorship by alcohol interests insofar as it relates to their under-age activities and competitions. The GAA, in particular, acting in response to its Alcohol Task Force, has appointed a full-time alcohol abuse officer, who is currently developing a strategy in relation to alcohol for the Association.

I would recommend that all governing bodies ensure that restraint and good judgement is applied in relation to sponsorship at all levels of their organisations. In that regard, the recent initiative taken by the GAA serves as an example of a mature and considered response to concerns articulated by its membership and I believe it provides a model which could be followed by other governing bodies in the interests of both sports people and the health and welfare of the wider population.

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