Frances Fitzgerald
Question:331 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the results to date of his initiatives with the universities regarding sponsorship by companies; and the role of such sponsorship in universities. [28890/01]
Written Answers. - National Alcohol Policy.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to a recent initiative which involved the health promotion unit of my Department, the universities and third level institutions and the Union of Students in Ireland coming together to formulate a response to growing concerns about high-risk drinking among students and its impact on student attrition and academic performance.
One of the actions called for in the national alcohol policy was the development of a campus alcohol policy which would promote sensible drinking among students and limit campus-related drinks industry sponsorship. Following discussions among a number of colleges, a working group was established consisting of representatives from the third level institutions and universities, the Union of Students in Ireland and the national alcohol policy adviser to the health promotion unit of my Department to develop such a policy. The University of Limerick hosted the working group's meetings and the Higher Education Authority also provided support.
The framework document for developing a college alcohol policy, which I launched last month, outlines a comprehensive strategy to enable each third level institution and university to develop a policy suitable to its own requirements. It also outlines public health alcohol policy and discusses the college environment and student life in that context. The aims and objectives of a college alcohol policy are described. The actual policy formulation process is outlined and the drafting, review and evaluation of an action plan are recommended. Five specific topics for inclusion in the policy document are included. The document also provides contact details for the local support services around the country and other relevant organisations. Three examples of a college alcohol policy are provided. I am confident that this framework document will be of great assistance to colleges and universities in their development of campus alcohol policies.