Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2004
355 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider the concern expressed by a person (details supplied) regarding alcohol abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17178/04]
View answerNational policy on the treatment of alcohol abuse, as set out in Planning for the Future, stipulates that the emphasis in the management of alcohol-related problems should be on community-based intervention. Health boards already provide and continue to develop a range of comprehensive community-based support services appropriate to the needs of persons affected and afflicted by alcohol abuse. Those services include family support and community, medical and social services in the management of the problem.
The main therapeutic tools in the treatment of alcohol dependence are psychotherapy, counselling, and family and marital therapy, either individually or in group settings. Therapy may take place in a residential or a day setting. As alcohol-related problems occur, in many instances, in local and family settings, the community-based response can be direct and early, thereby reducing the associated levels of physical, psychological and social problems.
The health promotion unit of my Department is involved in a range of initiatives aimed at preventing and reducing alcohol-related harm. One such initiative was the establishment of a strategic task force on alcohol in January 2002 to recommend evidence-based measures to Government, aimed at reducing and preventing alcohol-related harm. Following a comprehensive review of the most effective alcohol policy measures by international experts, an interim report was published in May 2002. A second report, containing further recommendations, will be published in the near future. An interdepartmental group has been established to co-ordinate responses to the recommendations.
The health promotion unit of my Department has provided funding to the Irish College of General Practitioners, or ICGP, to implement an alcohol-aware practice project. The main aim of the project is to assist the GP to be more effective in helping patients with alcohol problems.
Legislation is currently being drafted in my Department to reduce the over-exposure of young people to alcohol advertising and marketing practices.
