asked the Minister for Justice if he has the Plaut report "Alcohol Problems—a report to the Nation"; and, if so, if he will consider recommending the implementation of its suggestions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alcohol Problem.
48.
As the Deputy is aware, alcoholism is a disease and measures to combat it are primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Health, who yesterday answered a somewhat similar question about the American report mentioned.
Is the Minister aware that alcoholism is a disease and that his Department deal with offences relating to it? Because of this perhaps he would consider having an investigation into this report with a view to recommending some of its suggestions? The Minister just cannot pass it off and say it is not his concern.
I regard alcoholism as a disease, as I said, and I feel it should be approached from the medical rather than from a legal or criminal point of view.