asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that alcoholism presents a serious health problem in this country and that the incidence is one of the highest in any country according to a survey carried out in 1964; and what he proposes to do in regard to this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Incidence of Alcoholism.
7.
I am aware of the report referred to. The Commission of Inquiry on Mental Illness had already indicated in its report that the problem of people who cannot control their consumption of beverages containing alcohol was a very serious one. The commission recommended a number of measures in connection with the problem, including the greater involvement of general practitioners and others in the community in the treatment of alcoholics, the provision of psychiatric advice and care at out-patient clinics and of special units for those in need of residential care.
Provision is made for the treatment of alcoholics at all health authority mental hospitals and at private mental hospitals and homes. I have at present under consideration the extension of the existing facilities for residential care and I have asked mental hospital authorities for their views on the commission's recommendations in relation to alcoholism. Mental hospital authorities were also advised in 1966 that the work of the Irish National Council on Alcoholism should be assisted and most of these authorities have responded by making grants towards the expenses of the council. My Department also made a grant towards these expenses. The council devotes itself mainly to the education of the public on the danger of alcoholism and on the means of helping those who are affected by the disease.
A grant for the purpose of research by the Department of Psychiatry of University College, Dublin in the field of alcoholism has also been approved by my Department.