Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress being made in reducing the level of alcohol advertising associated with community and sporting events nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13061/09]

Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Strengthened codes on advertising and sponsorship, which were developed between the Department of Health and Children and representatives of the Irish drinks industry and the Irish advertising industry, came into effect on 1 July last 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 the selection of a sponsored event the overall objective is to ensure that all alcohol drinks sponsored events are planned and executed in such a manner as to adhere to the relevant codes, regulations and legislation. In addition, Government has agreed to the establishment of a Working Group to examine the question of the sponsorship of sporting events by the alcohol industry with a view to phasing it out. The first meeting of the Working Group, which will be chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, is expected to take place in late April, 2009.