Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 369: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made regarding the commitment in the Programme for Government to discuss the sponsorship of sporting events by the alcohol industry with the aim of phasing it out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29353/08]

Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Strengthened codes on advertising and sponsorship, which were developed between my Department and representatives of the Irish drinks industry and the Irish advertising industry, came into effect on 1 July this year. Under these codes 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.

In addition, Government has agreed to the establishment of a Working Group to examine the extent of the existing sponsorships by alcohol companies and the terms and lengths of contracts. This Working Group will seek to give direction to how concerns around the extent of sports sponsorship by alcohol companies might be further addressed. This Working Group will be established by my Department following consultation with other relevant Government Departments.