Derek McDowell
Ceist:189 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health the measures, if any, which will be taken to apply the national alcohol policy published earlier in 1997. [13933/97]
Written Answers. - National Alcohol Policy.
The national alcohol policy was launched in September 1996. It is directed at reducing the prevalence of alcohol related problems through an emphasis on moderation in alcohol consumption. Because alcohol problems are multidimensional the policy sets out multisectoral solutions requiring both environmental and individual strategies.
Since the publication of the policy, a number of elements of the action plan have been put in place. The most significant of these are: the national alcohol surveillance centre has been established; tenders for a national lifestyle survey have been received and assessed and the contract will be awarded shortly; tenders for a new advertising campaign which will emphasise the message of moderation in drinking have been assessed, and the contract will be awarded shortly. The campaign will run in the autumn. Work is ongoing on a number of the longer term elements of the action plan, including developing the school curriculum to include a significant level of health as part of the curriculum, based on a life-skills approach, development of policies in relation to health promoting schools, hospitals, workplaces and campuses which would include policies in relation to alcohol use; discussions with the drinks industry on their response to the policy, with particular reference to the problems of under-age drinking and the consumption of ‘alcopops'.
For the remainder of 1997, it is intended to continue with the elements of the plan already commenced, and to make progress in relation to initiatives involving other Departments. Co-operation with industry groups will continue with a view to encouraging the industry to play its part in encouraging moderation in alcohol consumption. In addition, actions taken on the basis of the plan will be evaluated on an ongoing basis, so that the policy can be focused and effective.