Thanks for your replies so far guys - much appreciated and I have learned something.
On doing some research on the camera I have (why didn't I do this earlier?) it appears that the critics do have a view that Sony cameras perform less well than others in terms of red eye. Read here:
It really is beginning to annoy me as it's excessive. I have a copy of Corel Paint Shop Pro so can do the adjustments with that but would really like not having to.
Someone recommended Canon/Panasonic compacts as being less prone to this but wonder if anyone else has a view or particular experience?