14 advertisements across social media, email and online were found to be in breach of the ASAI Code on grounds related to a range of issues including Misleading, Principles, Health and Beauty, Gambling, Alcoholic Drinks and Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages.

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland’s (ASAI) independent Complaints Committee has released its latest Complaints Bulletin, which contains 16 case reports on complaints recently investigated by the organisation.

11 of the 16 cases were upheld and 3 of the 16 cases were upheld in part. Advertisements across social media, email and online were found to be in breach of the ASAI Code on grounds related to Misleading, Principles, Health and Beauty, Gambling, Alcoholic Drinks and Food and Non–Alcoholic Beverages. The ASAI Complaints Committee chose not to uphold 2 complaints.

The Complaints Committee is a completely independent arm of the ASAI and is responsible for considering and adjudicating on complaints submitted by the public, by an organisation, by a Government Department, or any other person or body. The Committee is made up of a range of experts from the advertising, media, education, consumer, and marketing sectors. See further details here – http://www.asai.ie/about-us/complaints-committee

Commenting on the latest ASAI rulings, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the ASAI, stated:

“The latest complaints bulletin from the ASAI shows that we have an important role in ensuring that advertisers in Ireland adhere to the advertising code. The ASAI monitors advertisements and marketing communications regularly to ensure that they are legal, truthful, decent, and honest, prepared with a sense of social responsibility to the consumer and society and with proper respect for the principles of fair competition.”

“The ASAI provides a free and confidential copy advice service to the advertising industry to help them create responsible ads. If an advertiser, agency, or medium has any concerns about a marketing communications’ compliance with the ASAI’s Code, they can contact us and avail of the free and confidential copy advice service.”

Below is a list of advertisements that have been found to be in breach of the ASAI Code:

The following advertisements were investigated and the ASAI Complaints Committee found that they did not breach the Code on the grounds raised in the complaints.

The ASAI conducts ongoing monitoring of advertising across all media and since 2007, has examined over 27,000 advertisements, with an overall compliance rate of 98 percent. The ASAI Monitoring Service monitors compliance with the Complaints Committee’s adjudications.

Media are reminded that advertisements found to be in breach of the Code cannot be accepted for publication.

www.asai.ie

Follow The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland on LinkedIn and Twitter @THE_ASAI

• Maker of Panadol, Centrum, Sensodyne and Voltaren becomes one of the world’s leading independent consumer health companies
•  
• Demerger from GSK plc (GSK) now complete

Haleon (LSE/NYSE: HLN) launches as an independent company 100% focused on consumer health, completing its demerger from GSK. The newly listed business is driven by its purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity.

Trading commenced on Monday on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), with Brian McNamara, CEO of Haleon, leading the opening ceremony to signal the start of trading. Trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is set to follow¹, and a similar market-opening event will take place on [Wednesday 20 July 2022].

Haleon has a world-class portfolio of brands including Panadol, Sensodyne and Centrum, and will continue to develop category leading brands that address real consumer health needs, while focusing on future innovation across its entire portfolio.

With an increased consumer focus on health and wellness, an ageing global population, an emerging middle class in high-growth economies, growing self-care in the face of increased pressure on public healthcare systems and sizeable unmet consumer needs, Haleon has launched at a time when the consumer healthcare market is set for expansion (expected to be at a rate of 3-4% per annum over the medium-term). Haleon expects to deliver medium-term annual organic revenue growth of 4-6%.

Despite huge improvements in medicine, data and technology, everyday health remains elusive for too many people. Haleon aims to change this through a two-pronged approach. First, by working to remove barriers to better everyday health, and second, by aiming to empower 50 million people a year by 2025 to be more included in opportunities for better everyday health.

The company’s competitive advantage lies in its ability to blend deep human understanding and trusted science in the products it creates. Haleon is further distinguished by leading consumer healthcare-focused scientific capabilities, a well-developed organisational understanding of human health behaviours, strong capabilities in brand building, innovation and digital commerce and a powerful route-to-market.

The brands within the Haleon portfolio have been providing treatment and improving the quality of life for millions of consumers across the globe for decades. They have also been trusted, recognised, and recommended by healthcare professionals across multiple markets.

Brian McNamara, Chief Executive Officer, Haleon, said:

“This is a significant milestone for Haleon. Guided by our clear purpose and with a world class portfolio of brands that people know and trust, we stand ready to help address consumer needs and make better everyday health more achievable, inclusive and sustainable.

“Consumer health has never been more important than it is today, and I am delighted that Haleon, as an independent company, is ready to pursue our ambitions.

“Today follows a huge amount of effort, planning and collaboration by our dedicated colleagues all around the world.”

Dave Barrett, Country Manager, Ireland, Haleon, said:

“I couldn’t be more delighted to be celebrating this milestone of Haleon becoming an independent company. Our purpose is to ‘deliver better everyday health with humanity’ and as a global leader now 100% focused on improving consumer health, we are dedicated to making better everyday health more achievable, inclusive and sustainable.

In Ireland, Haleon employs over 930 people, including 900 at our manufacturing facility in Dungarvan, Waterford. This site is one of the largest manufacturing sites in Haleon’s Consumer Health network, producing 9 billion Panadol tablets and 131 million tubes of Poligrip for global supply to over 70 markets.

We are incredibly excited about what the future holds for Haleon in Ireland and globally as we have set out ambitious growth targets which we are very confident of delivering thanks to the incredibly talented and committed team we have in Ireland.”

Haleon (pronounced “Hay-Lee-On”) was unveiled as the name of the business in February 2022 and is inspired by the merging of the words ‘Hale’, which is an old English word meaning ‘in good health’ and Leon, which is associated with the word ‘strength’.

The company’s signature “For Health. With Humanity” brings to life the essence and purpose of Haleon and was developed by its own colleagues. The signature will appear with our logo when space allows as it underscores the purpose of Haleon.

ENDS

• 18 advertisements across television, print, online and social media were found to be in breach of the ASAI Code on grounds related to a range of issues including General, Principles, Misleading, Substantiation, Promotional Marketing Practices, Environmental Claims and Health and Beauty

• Two intra industry / interested party complaints were upheld, while one was not upheld

July 2022 – The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland’s (ASAI) independent Complaints Committee has released its latest Complaints Bulletin, which contains 23 case reports on complaints recently investigated by the organisation.

14 of the 23 advertisements on television, print, online and social media were found to have been in full breach of the ASAI Code on grounds related to General, Principles, Misleading, Substantiation, Promotional Marketing Practices, Environmental Claims and Health and Beauty. Four of the 23 advertisements were found to have been partly in breach. Two intra industry / interested party complaints were upheld, while one was not upheld. The ASAI Complaints Committee chose not to uphold 4 consumer complaints.

The Complaints Committee is a completely independent arm of the ASAI and is responsible for considering and adjudicating on complaints submitted by the public, by an organisation, by a Government Department, or any other person or body. The Committee is made up of a range of experts from the advertising, media, education, consumer, and marketing sectors. See further details here – http://www.asai.ie/about-us/complaints-committee

Commenting on the latest ASAI rulings, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the ASAI, stated:

“The latest complaints bulletin from the ASAI demonstrates our ability to ensure that advertisers in Ireland abide by the advertising rules. The main role of the ASAI, is to ensure that advertisements and marketing communications are legal, truthful, decent, and honest, prepared with a sense of social responsibility to the consumer and society and with proper respect for the principles of fair competition.”

“The ASAI provides a free and confidential copy advice service to the advertising industry to help them create responsible ads. If an advertiser, agency, or medium has any concerns about a marketing communications’ compliance with the ASAI’s Code, they can contact us and avail of the free and confidential copy advice service.”

Below is a list of advertisements that have been found to be in breach of the ASAI Code:

The following advertisements were investigated and the ASAI Complaints Committee found that they did not breach the Code on the grounds raised in the complaints.

The ASAI conducts ongoing monitoring of advertising across all media and since 2007, has examined over 27,000 advertisements, with an overall compliance rate of 98 percent. The ASAI Monitoring Service monitors compliance with the Complaints Committee’s adjudications.

Media are reminded that advertisements found to be in breach of the Code cannot be accepted for publication.

www.asai.ie

Follow The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland on LinkedIn and Twitter @THE_ASAI

• Recent renewed interest in pandemics, epidemics and disease eradication by vaccine due to Covid 19 led to republication of the book

• Polio survivors still need care and support now to help them maintain hard-won independence as they age

• Legacy of polio should not be forgotten to ensure vaccination is sustained and to prevent polio returning

An updated edition of a book which shares 29 personal stories of polio survivors in Ireland and their ongoing struggles with the long-term effects of the disease has been unveiled by Polio Survivors Ireland.

Entitled Polio & Us, the book was originally published 15 years ago, but with significant renewed interest in pandemics, epidemics and disease eradication by vaccine due to Covid 19, the charity decided it was the perfect time to publish an updated version. The aim of the new publication is to help ensure that the legacy of polio is not forgotten and that eradication is protected.

Polio, or infantile paralysis, is a disease that struck fear into the hearts of parents across the world in the early 1950’s. The highly contagious disease could result in partial or complete paralysis for life. In an eerily similar parallel to Covid 19, the public were told to avoid large crowds, many events were cancelled while schools, circuses, cinemas and public baths were shut down, with much controversy at the time around what places should be closed, and for how long. Vaccination was introduced in Ireland in the late 1950s and while there is still no cure, the polio vaccine has resulted in the disease being largely eradicated across the world.

Polio & Us is essentially a time capsule of the stories of polio survivors and how they overcame the challenges of the disease. It was originally commissioned so that the trials and triumphs of those who contracted polio in the 20^th century would not be forgotten. In addition, the story of polio in Ireland is one of a successful disease eradication that will resonate at a time of huge interest in vaccinations and viruses due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

Among those featured in the book are:

Anne – born in Drogheda in 1952

“I contracted polio on Friday, 13^th November 1953, at the age of 17 months in my home town of Drogheda, and spent the first three weeks of the infection in the Dundalk Fever Hospital (as it was called then). Though supposed to be in isolation with no visitors allowed, my mother was permitted on one occasion to visit me.”

Joe – born in Dublin in 1936

“I went to bed one night in April, 1938, and when I woke up the next morning my mother told my sister, Jenny, to dress me. Jenny could not do this, as I was neither able to sit or stand…After many tests it was discovered I had polio and was then moved to Cork Street Fever Hospital and isolated. My family were not allowed to come and see me; and, in order to keep me breathing, I had to use a ventilator.”

Jackie – born in Dublin in 1957 who features on the cover of the book:

“As a result of polio, I have a shorter, thinner and weaker right leg. Due to this weakness, my left leg has had an awful lot of extra work to do. However, now as a result of Post Polio Syndrome, it too has begun to be affected.”

Paula – born in Kolar, South India in 1948

“Many hospital stays and twenty-one operations later, I was able to walk – first without crutches, and then without callipers; and when I was seventeen was discharged out into the wide world with what everyone thought at the time was a stable level of disability.”

Polio Survivors Ireland was established nearly 30 years ago and is the only organisation in Ireland providing practical services and support to those unfortunate enough to have contracted polio as babies or young children. They provide a range of services including mobility aids and appliances, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and respite, and raise awareness of the issues faced by polio survivors. They also work to educate medical professionals, social care providers and health policy makers about the reality for all those still impacted by polio.

Polio Survivors Ireland has a network of support groups around the country and they also provide a telephone support service for those who can’t leave their home. As well as providing stair lifts, callipers, bespoke footwear, electric scooters and wheelchairs, the organisation also helps survivors to access a range of supports. For those who are isolated, a listening ear is often the most important lifeline the organisation provides.

Fran Brennan, CEO of Polio Survivors Ireland, says:

“As we’ve seen with Covid 19, epidemics and pandemics are still a reality that can affect our everyday lives. However, the story of the polio epidemic in Ireland is one of hope, as the disease was successfully eradicated here by a vaccine. That said, the legacy of polio and the continuing struggles of polio survivors must not be forgotten and that is why we have reprinted Polio & Us.

Unfortunately, approximately 40% of polio survivors are now living with the late effects of this disease. Many have had years of rehabilitation to help regain independence, only to find their mobility impacted in later life once again by Post Polio Syndrome (PPS). This is why we continually work to raise awareness of polio.

Post Polio Syndrome causes sleep impairment, fatigue, new muscle weakness, muscle and joint pain, wasting of muscle, a severe intolerance to cold, speech difficulties, difficulty swallowing, and respiratory problems. Many will end up needing mobility supports and risk losing hard fought independence.

Some survivors may not realise that there is help available to them and that’s why we are here. In addition, many health care professionals have not received adequate training to treat polio survivors. As a result, we work to address this by distributing essential information to GP’s and other healthcare professionals to ensure PPS is understood.”

Polio & Us is available to purchase here: www.polio.ie

All proceeds from the book go towards services and supports for polio survivors

Keep up to date with Polio Survivors Ireland on Facebook @PolioSurvivorsIreland and on Twitter @PolioIreland

www.polio.ie

Nearly three-quarters of Irish people feel we need to be more open about discussing death and funeral arrangements – An Post Insurance ‘Let’s Talk About Funerals’

A New ‘Let’s Talk About Funerals’ report conducted by An Post Insurance reveals key insights into people’s attitudes towards funeral arrangements and costs in Ireland

• 46% of us want to be cremated instead of buried – with 18 to 24-year-olds least likely to choose cremation while those aged 65+ were most likely

• 6 in 10 say they weren’t aware that Funeral Insurance existed

• An Post Insurance also unveils a new ‘Let’s Talk About Funerals Guide’ to offer advice to those preparing for their funeral

Nearly three-quarters of people (73%) feel we need to be more open about discussing death and funeral arrangements, according to a new RED C survey unveiled by An Post Insurance. Entitled ‘Let’s talk about Funerals’, the report also shows that nearly the same proportion of people think it is important to be financially prepared for funeral costs.

The results, which reveal key insights into people’s attitudes towards funeral arrangements and costs in Ireland, also show that despite 73% saying it’s important to be financially prepared for a funeral, only one third (31%) feel that they are well prepared in terms of planning their own funeral and how the costs will be paid. In addition, 43% said they worry about the prospect of leaving unwanted funeral expenses behind for loved ones. Meanwhile, when it comes to choosing between cremation and burial, the report shows that those aged between 18 and 24 were least likely to choose cremation (33%) while those aged over 65 were most likely (53%).

Do you know how much an average funeral costs?

Interestingly, nearly 1 in 3 were unable to estimate average funeral costs in Ireland, most likely due to the fact that 84% have not organised or paid for a funeral in Ireland in the last five years. With the average cost of a funeral coming in at just under €6,000, the estimated costs were slightly over-evaluated by those who haven’t paid or organised a funeral in recent times.

Cremation Vs Burial

The figures also show that cremation is growing in popularity, with 46% of people stating that they would favour cremation over burial at their time of death. Those aged between 18 and 24 were least likely to choose cremation (33%) while those aged over 65 were most likely (53%).

When it comes to essential needs and individual preferences for a funeral, money does not seem to be a concern, with music and funeral cars named as the items that would most likely be dropped if cost became a problem. Professional flowers and a gathering for family and friends in a venue were also mentioned but to a lesser extent.

Funeral Insurance

Awareness of funeral insurance is quite low, with 60% saying they were not aware it existed. While 36% said they were aware of funeral insurance products, only 4% stated that they have an insurance scheme in place. Awareness of funeral insurance increases with age, with people aged 65+ more likely to have a funeral insurance product (14%).

Although respondents’ future interest in funeral insurance is moderate, almost 30% of people said they were ‘likely’ to invest in a funeral insurance product at some point to help cover future funeral costs.

Commenting on the findings, Gary Finnerty, Head of Marketing with An Post Insurance, said: “It’s encouraging to hear that so many people feel we need to be more open about discussing death and funeral arrangements. While it may seem insensitive to some, pre-planning your own funeral can take some of the burdens off loved ones at a difficult time while ensuring you get exactly the funeral you want. We’re keen to help people understand that a funeral insurance product is a simple way to help prepare financially for the cost – or part of the cost – of your funeral. By taking out this policy, you can ensure that you leave your loved ones some money to take care of the cost of your funeral – or for other expenses.”

About An Post Insurance

With twenty-two years in business and almost 150,000 policyholders, An Post Insurance (www.anpostinsurance.ie) is an Insurance Intermediary and a wholly-owned subsidiary of An Post, one of Ireland’s most trusted organisations and brands.  Based in Athlone, An Post Insurance employs 134 staff members and offers a range of Car, Home, Life, Travel, Pet, Farm, and Small Business insurance products. It does this through its Call Centre (0818 22 22 22), online (www.anpostinsurance.ie) and through direct referrals via An Post’s network of 940+ post offices.

To coincide with the report, An Post Insurance has also unveiled a new guide designed to help answer many queries people may have around preparing for their funeral. The guide can be found in Post offices nationwide and covers:

• The cost of funerals in Ireland
• How you can make practical plans for your passing
• Funeral Insurance from An Post Insurance
• How to make a Will – free of charge

*Methodology – This research was conducted by RED C, surveying 1,002 adults across the nation, representative of the Irish population in March 2022.

Get the peace of mind you need with An Post Insurance Funeral Insurance

For more information visit www.anpostinsurance.ie

Acceptance criteria, terms and conditions apply.  One Direct (Ireland) Limited, trading as An Post Insurance, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. One Direct (Ireland) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of An Post. An Post Insurance is a tied agent of New Ireland Assurance Company plc for life assurance business. Life assurance policies are underwritten and provided by New Ireland Assurance Company plc. A 1% Government levy applies to all premiums paid.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

An Post Insurance Funeral Insurance could give your loved ones a promised lump sum payment that can be used to help to pay for funeral expenses or perhaps repay any loans or bills you might still have at the time of your passing. It’s a single life plan that offers peace of mind for people aged between 50 and 75 years of age at the date of commencement of the policy. With premiums to suit applicants, features include:

• Eligible if aged 50-75 and resident in the Republic of Ireland
• No medical questions, check-ups, or reports needed
• Up to €30,000 cover
• Travel accident benefit
• Choice of flexible payment methods
• Full life cover benefit payable after 2 years
• If your death takes place within the first 2 years, your beneficiaries will receive a sum equal to the amount you have paid in at the time of your death
• Premiums cease at the age of 85, but life cover will continue until you die,
• Consistent level of life cover and unchanging premiums