Madam, - As a parent of two young children I have long been concerned about the issue of child-targeted advertising.
I was therefore delighted to hear of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland's consultation process on the issue, and welcomed the opportunity to make my submission.
However, on logging-on to the BCI's on-line forum, I was surprised to discover that while opinions were invited on a host of areas concerning the actual operation of child-targeted advertising, nowhere was there a question about, or an opinion sought, on the issue of a complete ban.
A range of opinions were invited, but not that one. It appeared that the BCI had decided in advance that this was one opinion that was not being sought.
I phoned the BCI and this interpretation was confirmed.
I was informed that since it was their legal advice that the Broadcasting Act contained no facility for an outright ban, the opportunity to express this point of view was not being provided.
I was told, somewhat confusingly, that if the demand for such a ban emerged from the consultation process, then this would be communicated to the relevant Minister.
But how can such a demand emerge if the relevant question is not asked, or opinion sought?
Every submission on the subject can be misrepresented as supporting child advertising, since each one adds to the tally of those who offered an opinion, but did not call for a ban.
All of which conveniently ignores the fact that the opportunity to make such a demand was not presented. - Yours, etc.,
BRIAN MacGABHANN, Béal an Daingin, Conamara, Co na Gaillimhe.