Minister for Sport John O'Donoghue ruled out introducing legislation to ban alcohol companies from sponsoring sporting events.
He said it was neither "necessary nor appropriate", adding that he would prefer instead to exhort all governing bodies to ensure restraint and good judgment were applied regarding sponsorship at all levels of their organisations.
"In any debate on issues arising in connection with the sponsorship of sport, it is important to retain perspective. Governing bodies and clubs across the spectrum of sports freely acknowledge that sponsorship from the business and commercial sectors provides much needed financial, material and promotional support."
He was pleased that the three major field sports bodies, the GAA, FAI and IRFU, had moved away from sponsorship by alcohol interests insofar as it related to their underage activities and competitions. "The GAA, in particular, acting in response to its alcohol taskforce, has recently appointed a full-time alcohol abuse officer, who is developing a strategy in regard to alcohol for the association."
Mr O'Donoghue was replying to Labour spokesman Jack Wall, who said that national and local sectors were involved. There was a major problem at grassroots level whereby clubs were sponsored by public houses, inns etc, in their own area.
"There is an onus on clubs that are sponsored by such sources, regardless of the sport involved, to have their members return to them following their sporting activities. Members feel obliged to frequent the establishments that give them the most sponsorship."
Mr Wall added that because 25 per cent of road deaths had been related to drink-driving problems, he had major concerns with sponsorship at grassroots level.
Mr O'Donoghue said everyone would welcome the code of ethics published by the Irish Sports Council and the fact that sponsorship was not allowed in the GAA where people under 21 years were concerned.
"They will also agree that where sponsorship and advertising occurs, it should be appropriate and proportionate."
It was important, he added, that young people did not associate a given sport with alcohol.
"I call for proportionality and appropriateness in regard to the remainder of drink sponsorship."
