Seán Haughey
Question:354 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures he is taking to curb excessive drinking of alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12132/01]
Written Answers - Alcohol Consumption.
I have expressed my concerns surrounding the excessive consumption of alcohol on numerous occasions. The health promotion unit of my Department is involved in several measures aimed at addressing some of these problems.
Education programmes have been developed so that young people may be more informed and better equipped to make informed decisions when faced with the issue of alcohol. Children are targeted through the substance misuse prevention programme called Walk Tall which was developed and delivered in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science, the health boards and teachers. Some 95% of primary schools have received training in this programme. Adolescents are targeted through the substance abuse prevention programme, SAPP, called On My Own Two Feet which will form part of the social, personal and health education curriculum. To date, two-thirds of post primary schools have received training in this programme. The SAPP programme is also available for youth leaders working in local communities and at risk youth groups. Training is available for professionals and parents at community level through the regional health boards, with the purpose of helping long-term prevention of alcohol and drug misuse.
A training initiative developed in association with the drinks industry on the responsible serv ing of alcohol, RSA, has been established. This is a training course for those in the pub trade and hospitality industry and was developed in co-operation with the drinks industry group and CERT. Some of the issues addressed in this programme are the prevention of serving those under-age, those who are going to drink and drive and those who are already intoxicated.
The health promotion unit commissioned the first national lifestyle surveys, Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition, SLÁN, and Health Behavior in School Aged Children, HBSC. They provide a profile of health-related behaviours including current drinking patterns. The first report was published in 1999. Follow-up surveys will be conducted at regular intervals.
Research is currently being carried out in relation to the impact of alcohol advertising on young people, the results of which are expected in the near future. This research will inform future policy in this area.
A new campaign aimed at young high risk drinkers has been launched. This campaign emphasises the choices open to young people and promotes a healthier lifestyle. The alcohol awareness campaign carries the slogan, Less Is More – It's your Choice. It promotes alternative activities to drinking and encourages people to examine their lifestyle.
As part of the less is more campaign, the health promotion unit of my Department held a special seminar which was attended by over 100 stakeholders; health professionals, youth groups, teachers, parents, community groups, vintners and gardaí. At local level, the Department is working with youth leaders and health professionals in each of the health board areas to identify best practice initiatives within communities that promote awareness of alcohol to young people. Many of the health boards have already developed successful programmes to tackle some of the issues, and my Department will be supporting the continuation of these.