Home > Dail Eireann debate. Written answers 614 & 410 - Sporting events [9052/15 & 9051/15].

[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answers 614 & 410 - Sporting events [9052/15 & 9051/15]. (03 Mar 2015)

External website: http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20a...


614. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a ban on alcohol sponsorship for sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9052/15]

 

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (Deputy Michael Ring): I support the proposals recently approved by Government to reduce alcohol consumption and tackle alcohol misuse. The proposals are outlined in the Heads of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, published by the Minister for Health on 3 February. They include measures relating to pricing, availability, information and marketing of alcohol.

 

I had previously expressed concerns that a ban on sponsorship of sporting events by the alcohol industry would have negative impacts on the development and availability of sport and consequently on our efforts to maintain and increase sporting participation at local level.   

 

The Bill does not propose a ban on alcohol sponsorship of sporting events. It provides for the making of regulations governing such sponsorship.  I am happy to support this amended proposal.

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2015-03-03/614/#pq_614

Written answer 410 - Legislative measures [9051/15]

 

410. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Health his views on amendment of the public health Bill 2015 to include a ban on alcohol sponsorship for sporting events; and if he will make a statement on the matter.  [9051/15]

 

Minister for Health (Deputy Leo Varadkar): The General Scheme of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill was approved by Government on the 3rd February 2015. The Scheme includes provisions for minimum unit pricing, health labelling on products that contain alcohol, restrictions on the advertising and marketing of alcohol and the regulation of sports sponsorship. The existing Code of Practice for Sponsorships by Drinks Companies will be put on a legal footing with statutory powers and penalties. The provisions in relation to marketing and advertising will be reviewed after three years to gauge their effectiveness. 

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2015-03-03/410/#pq_410

Repository Staff Only: item control page