Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said there is a problem in Ireland in terms of chronic alcohol consumption and binge drinking.
However, the minister said that alcohol consumption and public order offences are falling.
Mr Vardkar said this is in contrast to France where a ban on alcohol companies sponsoring sporting events already exists.
He said in terms of combating the alcohol problem in Ireland, he supports minimum pricing but said when it comes to sports sponsorship there is a fear that funding would be lost.
He is also worried that Ireland may be excluded from international competitions and “if other countries aren’t going down this route, I don’t want to see us losing out”.
