Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there are clear guidelines dealing with alcohol advertising in residential areas (details supplied); and her views on this kind of advertising having an influence on children coming up to Christmas 2006. [43083/06]

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.

The monitoring body is overseeing the implementation of and adherence to the Voluntary Codes of Practice. The Annual Report of the Monitoring Body is due to be completed in the Spring of 2007 and will be submitted to the Minister for Health and Children for consideration. Future actions in relation to legislation on this issue will be decided based on the findings of this report. Breaches or suspected breaches of the Voluntary Code should be reported to the Chair of the Monitoring Body on Alcohol Advertising, Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland, IPC House, 35/39 Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4.