(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the percentage of television revenue that is derived from advertising alcoholic beverages.

RTE have advised that in the year ended 30th September, 1976, revenue from advertising alcoholic beverages accounted for 2.9 per cent of total television revenue.

Interruptions must cease on both sides of the House. Deputy Coogan, I am sure you heard the Chair.

(Dublin Central): Would the Minister mind repeating the answer? I did not hear it.

I quite understand that. RTE have advised that in the year ended 30th September, 1976, revenue from advertising alcoholic beverages accounted for 2.9 per cent of total television revenue.

(Dublin Central): Could the Minister state when advertising of alcoholic liquor on television will be completely phased out?

The difficulty involved here is, of course, a revenue difficulty. RTE have considerable difficulty in financing their programmes and the complete abolition of drink advertising would necessitate an increase of approximately 0.75p in the licence fee in order to compensate for the loss of revenue. There is a code of standards in relation to this matter and I can supply a copy of that to the Deputy. As on and from 1st October, 1977, advertising of alcoholic beverages during afternoon sportscasts will cease. I would hope eventually such advertising may be phased out, not only out of broadcasting but perhaps generally. That, of course, is primarily a question for the Department of Health.

Would the Minister consider discussing the question with RTE of the possibility of finding alternative advertising as was done in the case of smoking?

Yes. I am, of course, in continuous discussion with the Authority on matters affecting the licence fee and I will certainly bear the Deputy's point in mind.

Would the Minister tell me what 2.9 per cent of the total revenue for advertising represents in poundage and also what 0.75 per cent represents on television licence?

The television revenue for the year ended 30th September, 1976, was £14,325,275. Of this total £415,433, 2.9 per cent, derived from advertising alcohol. I should add for the information of the Deputy that the percentage of total advertising revenue which is involved is a higher one of 7.2 per cent which perhaps is the more meaningful statistic.