Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:23 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to launch further anti-smoking and anti-drink campaigns along the lines previously promoted by the Health Education Bureau.
Written Answers. - Anti-Smoking and Drinking Campaigns.
The Deputy is probably aware that there are on-going activities conducted by the Health Promotion Unit in both the areas of smoking and alcohol. In relation to smoking an annual anti-smoking campaign has been conducted by the Health Promotion Unit since their establishment in 1988. The Deputy will be aware that a major campaign was launched last year to provide information to the public about the introduction of Regulations under the Tobacco (Health Promotion and Protection) Act, 1988 prohibiting and restricting smoking in public places. On Shrove Tuesday, 12 February, I will be launching this year's anti-smoking campaign.
Last autumn I launched a Drink Awareness for Youth (DAY) programme which aims to inform and educate young people about alcohol and the dangers associated with its abuse. It is a prevention programme that seeks to equip young people with the personal and social skills necessary to make responsible decisions regarding their use of alcohol. This is a joint initiative between the Department's Health Promotion Unit, the National Youth Council and the Department of Education. The DAY programme is primarily for use in youth settings, and has been completed following its very successful piloting in various youth settings throughout the country. The programme can also be used in schools. A nationwide training programme for youth leaders is now underway.
I also recently launched an alcohol education video titled, Handle with Care which was produced by the Health Promotion Unit, in conjunction with the Catholic Communications Institute and Veritas Video Productions. The video is aimed at ten to 15 year olds and includes a comprehensive teacher's guide for use in schools. This will be a very useful way of getting the message across to young people before they actually drink alcohol. It is not about not drinking alcohol. It is, as the title suggests, about handling alcohol with care. Both of these alcohol education initiatives were made possible by generous financial assistance from the national lottery.
A more broadly based community programme entitled "Drug Questions — Local Answers" has also been developed by the Health Promotion Unit to promote a community response to drug problems generally, including those relating to drinking and other drug use. It brings together health and educational professionals and interested voluntary workers, in their local communities, and places particular emphasis on problems posed by alcohol abuse. To date approximately 450 persons have participated in the course throughout the country and the response to its content has been very positive.
On a wider policy front, a comprehensive national policy on alcohol is being developed under the aegis of the Advisory Council on Health Promotion. This policy is examining the wide range of social, cultural, economic, educational and legal issues involved in alcohol use and abuse as well as examining treatment strategies and services. The views of interested persons and organisations are being sought on the formulation of this policy.