Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to address the problem of under age drinking; the resources she plans to dedicate to this issue; if she is satisfied with the progress of the implementation of the various recommendations that have been made to date to deal with this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43771/09]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the sponsorship of sporting events by the drinks industry; her further views that promotion of alcohol in association with sport might have a negative influence on under age persons in relation to their decision to drink; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43807/09]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.

The problem of under age drinking cannot be addressed in isolation from the need to tackle alcohol-related problems across the adult population. The Government is continuing to identify and implement new measures through legislation and through various codes (advertising, sponsorship, sales and display of alcohol in supermarkets, etc.) to seek to protect children and young people from the harms caused by alcohol misuse. The Government continues to support initiatives such as the Young People's Facilities and Services Funding to assist in the development of preventative strategies/initiatives in a targeted manner through the development of youth facilities, (including sport and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant substance misuse problem exists or has the potential to develop. In order to provide significantly greater protection for children and young people, strengthened codes on advertising and sponsorship, 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. Earlier this year the Government agreed to the establishment of a Working Group to deliver on the commitment in the programme for Government to "discuss the question of the sponsorship of sporting events by the alcohol industry with a view to phasing it out". The report of this Working Group is being finalised at present. In the area of legislation, the 2008 Intoxicating Liquor Act increased the penalties for selling alcohol to an under age person. The Act also permits the Garda Síochána to seize alcohol which is in possession of a person who appears to be under the age of 18 which is being consumed, or intended to be consumed, in a place other than a private residence. In addition, the Act permits the Garda to engage in the test purchasing of alcohol. Guidelines on the practical operation of test purchasing of alcohol have been prepared by a Working Group chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.