Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 7

Written Answers. - Teenage Alcohol Abuse.

John Connor

Question:

111 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Health if he has seen or studied recent reports on teenage alcohol abuse by O'Neill-Tubridy and Johnson; and if, in view of the serious findings in these and other reports, he will outline the actions he intends to take to address this problem.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I have studied the reports referred to by the Deputy and I share the Deputy's concern that the abuse of alcohol by young people represents a most serious social and health problem.

There is a consensus that the most effective approach to the issue of alcohol use and abuse generally and by young people in particular is in implementing a comprehensive national alcohol policy. Such a policy should address such issues as the economic, social, cultural, legislative and educational factors relevant to alcohol use and abuse. In pursuance of this strategy the Government requested the Advisory Council on Health Promotion to develop such a comprehensive policy. Development work by the council is well advanced with the recent completion of an intensive consultation process with relevant groups including youth organisations. I am expecting a report to be submitted to me by the summer of this year.

The work programme of my Department's health promotion unit gives a high priority to the issue of young people and alcohol.

The Drink Awareness for Youth (DAY) programme is a combined initiative between the health promotion unit and the National Youth Council. It is a preventive programme which aims to inform and educate young people about the responsible use of alcohol and the dangers of abuse. It is not an anti-drink programme. It is also about youth — about growing up, decision-making, influences, assertiveness, relationships, self-esteem and leisure options. The programme is now being used by youth leaders, teachers, probation officers and juvenile liaison officers. It is also being used in the Garda training centre in Templemore with new recruits in community training workshops, prisons, FÁS centres throughout the country, and by members of the ICA. To date over 800 people have attended the training seminars which equip people with the skills necessary to use the DAY pack.

The unit, in conjunction with the Catholic Communications Institute and Veritas Productions, produced a video —"Handle With Care"— which comprises a practical alcohol awareness programme for primary and post-primary schools concentrating on young people making informed decisions for themselves in relation to alcohol. In addition, there is a comprehensive teacher's guide which accompanies the video. The video is available from the health promotion unit and is primarily aimed at 10-15 year olds.

A community-based programme — Drug Questions Local Answers — is also in operation. This aims to create a community response to all drug problems and places particular emphasis on the problems created by alcohol abuse. Seminars are held regularly by the health promotion unit throughout the country and attended by health and educational professionals and interested voluntary workers.

A substance abuse prevention programme involving school staff is being piloted in selected second level schools during the current academic school year. The aim of this programme, which is a joint Department of Health/Department of Education initiative, is to enable students to develop their ability to take charge of their health and to make informed decisions about the use of all drugs, including alcohol in their lives. The materials and exercises in use examine such issues as self-esteem, assertiveness, peer pressure and decision making. Following piloting and evaluation during 1992 it is hoped to have the programme revised and made available to all schools.

The role of parents is increasingly being highlighted in terms of their influence on children and the support and skills required in handling alcohol issues which affect their children. In conjunction with Cork Social and Health Education Project the unit is in the process of developing a parent education training programme. A full-time project officer has been appointed to co-ordinate the programme which aims to help parents cope with problems caused by substance misuse, including alcohol.

The health promotion unit provides a range of information on alcohol, including a series of three booklets relating specifically to young people and alcohol. These booklets are directed at young people themselves, their parents, and youth leaders and have been widely disseminated and are available from the unit.