Sir, - RTE's policy on advertising is difficult to understand. In the past it has restricted the advertising of toys to children during peak child viewing times. This week it has announced a ban on advertising alcopops. Both of these measures were introduced in the interest of children.
However, RTE's stated concern for children rings somewhat hollow as it continues to be the biggest promoter of tobacco products to our children through the pages of the RTE Guide, the largest-selling family magazine in the country. Many organisations, ASH Ireland, Irish Cancer Society, Irish Heart Foundation, Irish Medical Organisation, to name but a few, have repeatedly and publicly called on the RTE Authority to cease promoting tobacco, which kills 6,000 Irish people every year.
The continued silence by the RTE Authority and, perhaps more importantly, by RTE journalists on the promotion of tobacco by RTE, a most important public health issue, beggars belief.
Have a smoke-free day. - Yours, etc.,
(Dr) Fenton Howell,
European Medical Association on Smoking and Health, Laytown, Co Meath.