Written Answers. - Underage Drinking.
Enda Kenny
Question:
124
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
his views at the extent of underage drinking; Ireland's position as regards consumption of alcohol among young people in Europe; his views on the incidence of binge drinking among very young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[24408/01]
I have outlined my concerns regarding the issue of underage drinking and binge drinking on a number of occasions recently. The health promotion unit of my Department commissioned the first national lifestyle surveys, Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition, SLÁN, and Health Behaviour 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. The ESPAD survey, European Survey Project on Alcohol and Drugs, confirmed many of the findings of this national survey. For this reason, the health promotion unit has intensified work in this area and is involved in several measures which aim to tackle the issue.
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 and the health boards and, of course, the teachers. A total of 95% of primary schools have now received training in this programme. Adolescents are targeted through the substance abuse prevention programme, SAPP, called On My Own Two Feet, which forms 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 serving 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.
Research material is currently being finalised 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.
As part of the Less is More alcohol awareness campaign, the health promotion unit of my Department held a special seminar which was attended by more than 100 stakeholders, health professionals, youth groups, teachers, parents, community groups, vintners and the Garda. 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.
Part of this campaign involved a phase which focused on those who buy or supply alcohol to those underage. It comprises of a poster which was displayed at alcohol outlets nationally and a series of radio messages. The theme is keeping children safe from drink and alerts people to their part in dealing with this problem. This phase coincided with the summer holiday season and exam results.
Last week, I launched a Framework for Developing a College Alcohol Policy. This document provides the template to develop college alcohol policies which aim to curtail alcohol promotion practices and excessive drinking among students.
