Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 6

Written Answers. - National Alcohol Policy.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

97 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the current status of the national alcohol policy; the steps, if any, he has taken to implement this policy; if he will review the implementation of this policy in view of the widespread problem of underage drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14572/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The national alcohol policy was launched by my Department in September 1996. It is directed at reducing the prevalence of alcohol related problems through an emphasis on moderation in alcohol consumption. As alcohol problems are multidimensional, the policy sets out multisectoral solutions requiring both environmental and individual strategies.

Since the publication of the policy, a number of elements of the action plan have been put in place. The national alcohol surveillance centre has been established; a national lifestyle survey has been carried out and an advertising campaign emphasising the message of moderation in drinking has been carried out and evaluated and a new campaign aimed at young high risk drinkers is in the planning stage. Research is currently being carried out in relation to the impact of alcohol advertising on young people.

Work is also ongoing on a number of the longer term elements of the action plan, including developing the school curriculum to include a significant level of health as part of the curriculum, based on a lifeskills approach development of health promotion policies in relation to schools, hospitals, workplaces and campuses which would include policies in relation to alcohol use, discussions with the drinks industry and the development of responsible server training.

It is intended to continue with the elements of the plan already commenced and to make progress in relation to initiatives involving other Departments. Co-operation with industry groups will continue with a view to encouraging the industry to play its part in encouraging moderation in alcohol consumption and to look at the issue of underage drinking. Actions taken on the basis of the plan are evaluated on an ongoing basis so that the policy continues to be focused and effective.