asked the Minister for Health the percentage increase in alcoholism in this country over the past five years; and if he will indicate his Department's plans to deal with this problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alcoholism Problem.
6.
I am not in a position to state the percentage increase in the numbers treated for alcoholism during the period mentioned in the question. I have, however, information regarding the percentage increase in admissions to mental hospitals for alcoholism and alcoholic psychosis during the period 1966-1970, when the percentage rise was 75.5 per cent.
I have been very concerned with the increasing incidence of alcoholism and heavy drinking. Treatment for alcoholics is already provided in all mental hospitals. In addition, I have had the leaflet "What sort of a drinker are you?" distributed as widely as possible. I have arranged for a series of seminars covering the abuse of alcohol and drugs for post-primary teachers. I have encouraged health boards to appoint psychiatric social workers who will specialise in the problem of alcoholism and a number of such workers have already been employed.
A while ago, I requested the Irish National Council on Alcoholism to undertake a survey among interested organisations and individuals with a view to formulating recommendations on the further steps which might be taken to deal with this problem. The council has completed its survey and is now in the process of finalising its recommendations which I hope to receive shortly.
Has the Minister personally or have his Department made recommendations to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs about the advertisements on television?
The Deputy was not in the House apparently when on at least three occasions I have answered questions pointing out that there is a code of conduct in relation to the advertisement of alcoholic liquors on television, which I have accepted, in regard to not including young people in the advertisements and other matters. I gave a copy of the code to the Deputy's colleague, Deputy Dr. Browne. If he will communicate with him he will see the concordat made with the Society of Advertising Practitioners in regard to this.
Question No. 7. I have called Question No. 7.
Despite the 75 per cent increase the Minister is not prepared——
Question No. 7.
It goes far deeper into the question of social habits.
Does the Minister watch television and see the amount of alcohol that is being advertised?
I do, yes.
And he is pleased?
I am not pleased but if the whole of the advertising of tobacco——
If he is not——
The Deputy is going to listen to me. There was a complete stop on the advertising of cigarettes on television in America and the consumption of cigarettes went down and then it returned practically to normal at the end of it. I do not believe that if all advertising of alcoholic liquors was prohibited on television it would have a serious effect on consumption, on overconsumption by a very large number of people.
It is not a fact——
Question No. 7. Has the House any intention of dealing with the questions on the Order Paper? We have 385 questions and at this rate we will never finish them.
It is enough to drive a person to drink and it is about time they cut it out.