asked the Minister for Health, as a result of the increased evidence of teenage drinking, particularly in the 15 to 17 year old bracket, if he will introduce alcohol abuse councillors to the schools to educate against the dangers of this problem.
Written Answers. - Teenage Drinking.
40.
I am very concerned by the apparent increase in teenage drinking and I have initiated a number of measures to help combat the problem.
In co-operation with the National Youth Council of Ireland the health promotion unit of my Department is in the process of producing materials that will help youth leaders to tackle the problems of young peoples' abuse of alcohol. I expect these materials to be available this summer.
The Department make available a series of booklets focusing on the problems of underage drinking, one for young people, one for parents, one for youth leaders and professionals. The Department currently make available alcohol education materials for schools. This pack is entitled "Living and Choosing" and it is resource material for teachers which encourages them to develop alcohol education programmes in their schools.
It is a worrying problem and needs to be dealt with by many sectors of the community. In recognition of the need to address the many public policy issues surrounding alcohol, the Government have authorised the preparation of a national policy on alcohol. The lead role in this exercise will be taken by the Department of Health and the policy will be prepared under the aegis of the Advisory Council on Health Promotion. I expect that it will cover issues such as marketing of alcohol and the general question of access, particularly by young people. When prepared, this policy document should provide an agreed national viewpoint in relation to alcohol and a general framework within which future policy changes in relation to alcohol can be considered.
My Department are co-operating with the Department of Education on health issues that relate to schools, and schools have the services of guidance counsellors who in the course of their work frequently deal with problems associated with alcohol abuse.