Alcohol abuse is, in many cases, dealt with in the context of more comprehensive substance abuse programmes and, accordingly, it would be very difficult to specify the level of funding directed at tackling the problem. However, the various programmes which are being funded by my Department's Health Promotion Unit and which I detail hereunder will cost more than £200,000 in 1993.
I agree with the Deputy that a concerted effort by all of those involved in alcohol abuse prevention is needed in order to tackle the present problems caused by the abuse of the legal drug alcohol in our society.
My Department's Health Promotion Unit is actively involved in a multifaceted strategy but measures necessary to address the complexity of the problem fall within the remit of a number of Government Departments, statutory and voluntary agencies.
National Alcohol Policy
In pursuance of a broadly based policy on alcohol, its use and abuse, we are in the process of developing a policy which will address the various economic, social, educational, cultural and health factors which impinge on alcohol use, with a particular emphasis on under-age drinking. The Advisory Council on Health Promotion has completed a major consultative exercise involving national and regional organisations, including youth organisations, and it also considered submissions from the general public on the issue.