Vol. 529 No. 1
669 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether there is a need for scrutiny of commercial, community and of national self-regulatory codes of good practice with respect to alcohol advertising (details supplied) targeted at young people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1851/01]
I have serious concerns regarding the public health issues around the increase in alcohol consumption. The Health Promotion Unit of my Department will be addressing some of these issues through a number of initiatives which are due to be launched shortly.
Research has been commissioned on the impact of alcohol advertising on young people. This research is due to be published shortly and this will help inform future policy in this regard. A national three year alcohol awareness campaign will be launched next month. The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of inappropriate or high-risk drinking and related harm as a public health issue at a national level, while actively encouraging community action through local agencies and groups to reduce alcohol-related problems at local level. Adolescents and parents will be supported during the first year and young adults will also be targeted to address binge drinking.
The unit has also, in association with the drinks industry, established a training programme for bar staff on the responsible serving of alcohol. This programme addresses such issues as under age drinking, dealing with intoxicated customers and with drinking and driving.
