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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 2

Adjournment Debate. - Alcohol Awareness.

Richard Bruton

Question:

89 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the action which is proposed, as part of the campaign to reduce alcoholism, to control or reduce the exorbitant price of soft drinks in public houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17914/02]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

269 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the action proposed as part of the campaign to reduce alcoholism, to control or reduce the exorbitant price of soft drinks in public houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17938/02]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

270 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the action proposed as part of the campaign to reduce alcoholism, to control or reduce the exorbitant price of soft drinks in public houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17939/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 269 and 270 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Consumer Affairs has responsibility for the control of pricing in relation to consumer products. However, the health promotion unit of my Department is implementing an alcohol awareness campaign, entitled Less is More – It's Your Choice, the overall aim of which is to raise awareness of inappropriate alcohol consumption or high risk drinking and related harm. A number of initiatives have been implemented as part of this campaign. These include a radio advertisement and poster campaign which targeted those who buy, supply, and sell alcohol to under-age drinkers, a college campus initiative targeting third level students and the printing of sensible drinking advice on airline ticket wallets targeting holidaymakers. A framework for developing a college alcohol policy was developed by the unit and is designed to assist colleges to develop campus alcohol policies which promote sensible drinking among students.

I also established a strategic task force on alcohol earlier this year. Part of its remit is to provide specific evidence based measures on reducing alcohol related harm to government. The task force published its interim report in May this year. The health promotion unit is also working with the drinks industry group on a responsible serving of alcohol programme.

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