Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 May 1993

Vol. 430 No. 2

Written Answers. - National Alcohol Policy.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

248 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health the reason Aiséirí, Cahir, County Tipperary was not consulted by the Advisory Council on Health Promotion in its intensive consultation on alcoholism; if he will provide a programme on alcoholism in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

In the context of developing the National Alcohol Policy advertisements were placed in the national newspapers inviting written submissions from interested parties which would assist in the development of a National Alcohol Policy. Aiséirí responded to that request by submitting a detailed document outlining their views on a wide range of areas relevant to the development of the policy. I am grateful to Aiséirí for their comprehensive submission and I can assure the Deputy that cognisance has been taken of their views in the drafting of the National Alcohol Policy.

My Department has been involved in a number of initiatives in relation to alcohol programmes for schools.

The Drink Awareness for Youth (DAY) programme is a combined inititive 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 misuse. The programme is now being used by youth leaders, teachers, probation officers and juvenile liaison officers. To date over 1,000 people have attended the training seminars which equip people with the skills necessary to use the DAY pack.

In addition the Health Promotion 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. There is a comprehensive teacher's guide which accompanies the video and 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 misuse. 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 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 the Cork Social and Health Education Project, the Health Promotion Unit has developed a parent education training programme. A full-time project officer has been appointed to coordinate the programme which aims to help parents cope with problems caused by substance (including alcohol and tobacco) misuse.

In addition 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.