Another year and more political foostering about what to do about Ireland’s drink problem. Nobody doubts there is a problem. It manifests itself in thuggish street behaviour; in suicide rates; in late night violence at A&E hospital units; in blighted lives and in an estimated cost to the State of €3.7 billion in related illnesses, absenteeism and crime. A government task force recommended the introduction of minimum pricing, a ban on outdoor advertising and the phasing out of sports sponsorship five years ago. Since then, there has been lots of political talk, but no action.

In an effort to look busy, the Government has suggested that agreement “in principle” has finally been reached between ministers on the phasing out of sports sponsorship. But the process will continue until 2020, at the very earliest. And its implementation will be contingent on lost sporting revenues being replaced by a special tax on alcohol or through exchequer grants. There is, therefore, no agreement. Formal decisions have not been taken on a completion date for phasing out sponsorship or on alternative means to fund sporting organisations. It has been suggested that these matters, along with minimum pricing and some restrictions on retail outlets will be dealt with in the autumn. But, on the basis of past performances, these issues may be lost sight of in a welter of budgetary leaks and ministerial infighting.

The advertising message that links sport and physical prowess with alcohol brands is particularly effective in targeting the young and impressionable. “Filling the cup” and celebratory drinking represent a near-inevitable follow-through at communal level. If the major sporting organisations have become so dependent on alcohol sponsorship that a ban would cause them serious financial distress, then a special social responsibility levy on alcohol sales could make up the shortfall. Binge drinking is poisoning our young people and placing their lives at risk. Vague talk about possible remedial measures does not serve.