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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 1986

Vol. 370 No. 13

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Alcohol Abuse.

9.

asked the Minister for Health if he is concerned at the number of persons admitted to psychiatric hospitals for the treatment of abuse of alcohol; and the plans he has for a programme of prevention of such abuse.

I am very concerned about this problem. Every year about 7,200 admissions or one-quarter of all admissions to psychiatric hospitals and units are due to alcohol-related problems. The prevention of alcohol abuse is a complex task. The Health Education Bureau will continue to carry out programmes designed to alert and educate people about the hazards of alcohol abuse. However, I am sure the Deputy realises that prevention has implications well beyond the health sector. It includes measures such as: higher taxation of alcohol; stricter enforcement of the laws against drunken driving and under age drinking; restrictions on drink advertising; restrictions on availability of alcohol.

The prevention of alcohol abuse, therefore, requires a broad approach by a number of Government Departments and will not be achieved by a health view only. The consultation document on health policy issued by my Department and the forthcoming report on health promotion to be issued by the Health Education Bureau will expand on this theme.

While I agree with what the Minister says, in that there are a number of areas and Departments involved can he tell us whether his Department or the Government have any positive action programme in mind in view of the particular problems associated with the abuse of alcohol and particularly in view of the number of young people now being admitted to psychiatric hospitals? While we are all aware of what needs to be done have the Minister's Department or the Government any comprehensive positive action programme in mind?

In the immediate future, legislation will be published in relation to the licensing laws generally which will specifically deal with underage drinking and the revision of penalties. I am free to say that there was a Government decision on that matter this morning. The Deputy will be aware very shortly of the legislation. We have to ask for particular restraint on the question of advertising. In this country there is enormous glamorisation of the use of alcohol. Several thousand young people under the age of 25 are being admitted to our psychiatric hospitals suffering from alcoholism. It is an increasing problem.

We also have the problem of a growing drink culture whereby millions of pounds are being spent in public houses which are being turned into very glamorised areas of drink consumption. Maybe it is because I am growing old but the number of young people who seem to live in them seems to be of enormous proportions. I have no doubt that the drink driving laws are being enforced. Equally, we have the problem of the price of drink. The price of drink during the past four to five years has not risen very much. I share the concern of the Deputy. Basically, we have to come back to more effective health education.

Has the Minister considered a campaign similar to the vigorous campaign which was mounted against the use of tobacco?

I would have no hesitation in prohibiting the advertising on a public basis of drink, including television in particular, but as the Deputy knows the howls of execration which would greet that enforcement would be a problem. In a few days I will be publishing the tobacco protection legislation which will relate to the consumption of tobacco in public places. Again, we have a very serious problem in that there are double standards operating in this area.

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