Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 265: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the potential impact of a ban on alcohol advertising on underage drinking or health costs associated with the abuse of alcohol; and if she has adopted a policy position on this issue. [25208/10]

Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In 2009 the Science Group of the European Alcohol and Health Forum, which was an independent group of scientists commissioned by the EU, published a report on alcohol marketing. The Science Group stated that "the findings of the review are clear, namely that commercial communications increase the likelihood that adolescents will start to use alcohol and to drink more if they are already using alcohol." Therefore, controlling the volume and placement of alcohol advertising or, indeed, the introduction of a ban on alcohol advertising would be expected to impact positively on the health effects and health care costs associated with the use and misuse of alcohol in Ireland.

On 31st March, 2009 the Government agreed to include alcohol in a National Substance Misuse Strategy that would be coordinated jointly by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and my Department. A Steering Group has been established to develop the alcohol element of the National Substance Misuse Strategy. It will base its recommendations on evidence based measures to deal with the significant public health issue of alcohol in areas such as supply, pricing, prevention, treatment and advertising. The Department's future policy in relation to alcohol advertising will be informed by the recommendations of the Steering Group. The Report of the Steering Group is expected to be submitted to Government by the end of the year.