Minister for Sport Paschal Donohoe has absented himself from all decisions relating to a Bill dealing with the issue of alcohol sponsorship of sports because he holds shares in drinks giant Diageo.
The most recent register of Dáil members’ interests, last updated in March 2014, show the Minister has shares in Diageo. Mr Donohoe also holds shares in Proctor and Gamble, according to the register.
When asked about the Diageo shares, a spokeswoman for the Department said in a written statement: “Minister Donohoe declares his interests through Sipo [the Standards in Public Office Commission] as he is obliged to do. The Minister’s shares in this instance derive from his wife’s former career with the company.
“Minister Donohoe has absented himself from all decisions in respect of this Bill, which is being dealt with by the Minister of State for Sport, Michael Ring TD. This was officially communicated to the department last week in advance of the Bill coming before the Cabinet subcommittee which is dealing with the issue.”
The Irish Times reported on Saturday that plans to allow a legislative clause which would eventually allow for the banning of alcohol sponsorship of sports have been dropped.
The Government is expected to put an existing voluntary code of conduct dealing with alcohol sponsorship on a statutory basis and is set to implement other measures in its Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, due to be published in the coming weeks.
The department’s spokeswoman said a memo that deals with alcohol sponsorship of sports issue is under consideration by Government.
Diageo is a multinational PLC behind major spirits, beer and wine brands. It is is listed on the London Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.
