Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the recommendations issued by the report, The Relationship Between Alcohol Misuse and the Drinks Industry Sponsorship of Sporting Activities, presented to the Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in March 2007 that have been implemented by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17673/08]

Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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The Recommendations contained in the Report mentioned by the Deputy are broadly consistent with the recommendations contained in the reports by the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol (STFA) which guide and inform my Department's alcohol policy.

In order to tackle alcohol related harm, the Government is taking a twin-track approach, involving, on the one hand, policies and interventions targeted at vulnerable populations and, on the other, policies targeted at the population at large to reduce the overall level of alcohol misuse in society. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has announced changes in the licensing laws with a view to reducing public disorder. I will shortly be launching further restrictions on alcohol advertising, marketing and sponsorship. In addition, my Department is to establish a Working Group to consider issues around sport sponsorships by alcohol companies.

At an operational level the Health Service Executive (HSE) is working closely with the Gaelic Athletic Association in relation to the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP). The aim of the ASAP is to reduce the harm that is being caused by the misuse of alcohol and drugs. The ASAP Programme intends to achieve this aim by developing a structure of people throughout the association with specific roles at club, county and provincial levels. The HSE has developed guidelines in relation to alcohol and drugs for the Community Games organisation and is also assisting the Football Association of Ireland in developing a drugs and alcohol policy.