I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 130, inclusive, together.
Details of the number of admissions to Irish psychiatric units and psychiatric hospitals for alcoholic disorders are contained in the Activities of Irish Psychiatric Services from the Health Research Board. The most recent report is for 2003. The data show that 258 persons under the age of 25, representing 12% of all admissions, were admitted as a result of alcoholic disorders in 2003.
The hospital inpatient inquiry or HIPE system is the principal source of national data on discharges from acute hospitals in Ireland. The HIPE system records the clinical condition chiefly responsible for the patient's admission to hospital care. Excessive consumption of alcohol can be a strong contributory factor in a wide variety of medical and psychiatric conditions which themselves can be a reason for admission to hospital. It is not possible to identify in many cases whether excessive alcohol consumption may be the underlying cause of admission.
The results of the alcohol and injuries study commissioned by the health promotion unit of my Department are expected to be available in the coming months. The purpose of the study was to establish the extent of alcohol related problems in the accident and emergency departments of acute hospitals. The study is expected to provide further evidence of the incidence of alcohol abuse and resultant attendance at accident and emergency departments.
Following on a separate study by the HSE eastern region, measures have been identified to reduce and eliminate inappropriate presentations at accident and emergency departments by those with alcohol problems and provide more effective and responsive services to clients. These measures include establishing a targeted response to people with alcohol problems, both underlying and explicit, who present at accident and emergency departments. Currently, many accident and emergency departments do not have the capacity or processes to respond to the alcohol issues underlying many of the presentations. The HSE eastern region is setting up a pilot project in Dublin to put these measures in place to address the needs of patients and monitor their effectiveness.