Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there are renewed plans to implement a ban on alcohol related sponsorship of sports or activities involving participants under 18 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15154/08]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On the basis of an existing code of practice, the Irish alcohol industry may not sponsor any sporting competitions, leagues, events or competitors where such events are designated specifically for participants under 18 years of age. My Department had discussions recently with representatives of the Irish alcohol industry and representatives of the Irish advertising industry with a view to strengthening and expanding the codes on alcohol marketing and communications in order to provide significantly greater protection for children and young people. These discussions have resulted in revised draft Codes on advertising and sponsorship which I am currently considering, in consultation with my colleagues in Government. I am also examining other measures that might be taken to tackle the problems caused by alcohol misuse in Ireland.