Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 232: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to ensure that certain cheeses are not banned from television advertising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31526/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's (BAI) review of the Children's Commercial Communication Code and the potential impact this may have on advertising of cheese. As the deputy will be aware, the BAI comes under the remit of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

I have received strong representations from the dairy industry highlighting the possible effects that a ban on the advertising of cheese would have, and which some believe is based on a flawed nutrient profiling model. I have written to the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and outlined the issues involved from the point of view of the Irish agri-food sector. However, I must point out that the BAI is an independent body and I have no function or role in its activities.