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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 4

Written Answers. - Alcohol Consumption.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

65 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by prominent spokespersons about the damage to the health of young people through excessive alcohol consumption; the steps he will take in this regard, and in particular, to promote the separation of alcohol and sports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5977/01]

I am aware of the concerns surrounding alcohol and young people and the health promotion unit of my Department is involved in several measures aimed at preventing some of these problems. The health promotion unit of my Department commissioned the first national lifestyle surveys, Survey of Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition and Health Behaviour in School Aged Children. They provide a profile of health-related behaviours including current drinking patterns. The first report was published in 1999. Follow-up surveys will be conducted at four yearly intervals.

Research is currently being carried out in relation to the impact of alcohol advertising on young people, the results of which are expected later this year. This research will inform future policy in this area. Education programmes have been developed so that young people may be more informed and better equipped to make informed decisions when faced with the issue of alcohol. Children are targeted through the substance misuse prevention programme called "Walk Tall" which was developed and delivered in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science and the health boards and the teachers. Some 95% of primary schools have now received training in this programme.

Adolescents are targeted through the substance abuse prevention programme called "On My Own Two Feet" which will form part of the social, personal and health education curriculum. To date, two thirds of post primary schools have received training in this programme. The SAPP programme is also available for youth leaders working in local communities and at risk youth groups. Training is available for professionals and parents at community level through the regional health boards, with the purpose of helping long-term prevention of alcohol and drug misuse.

A training initiative developed in association with the drinks industry on the responsible serving of alcohol has been established. This is a training course for those in the pub trade and hospitality industry and was developed in co-operation with the drinks industry group and CERT. Some of the issues addressed in this programme are the prevention of serving those under-age and those who are already intoxicated.

A new campaign aimed at young high risk drinkers has just been launched. This campaign emphasises the choices open to young people and promotes a healthier lifestyle. The alcohol awareness campaign carries the slogan, "Less Is More – It's your Choice". It promotes alternative activities to drinking and encourages people to examine their whole lifestyle. The messages of the campaign will be communicated through media reporting, local community initiatives, youth organisations, and the highlighting of best practice examples of how to tackle the problem of under-age drinking.

An important element of the campaign was the development of a dedicated website, www.coolchoices.ie. The site provides factual information for young people on alcohol, myths about drinking, and facts and tips for teenagers. There is a particular focus on binge drinking and its consequences for health, relationships, life options and opportunities. Nationwide activities and initiatives will be signposted on the site and there will be links to other websites.

As part of the Less is More campaign, the health promotion unit of my Department held a special seminar recently which was attended by over 100 stakeholders – health professionals, youth groups, teachers, parents, community groups, vintners and gardaí. At local level, the Department is working with youth leaders and health professionals in each of the health board areas to identify best practice initiatives within communities that promote awareness of alcohol to young people. Many of the health boards have already developed successful programmes to tackle some of the issues, and my Department will be supporting the continuation of these.
An evaluation of the campaign will be carried out to ascertain its impact. The results of this research will inform the future direction of the campaign. I will also be requesting officials of my Department to consult with the Sports Council following the publication of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport wherein it stated that sports leaders in children's sport should refrain from seeking sponsorship from the alcohol and tobacco industries with a view to progressing this recommendation.
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