Teenagers were asked for their views on alcohol abuse in their age group today as the Government formulates its strategy to tackle the growing problem.

Fine Gael is challenging Minsiter for Enterprise Michael Martin to reveal whether he knew about the threat to 140 jobs at Lapple Ireland in Carlow, and the 400 jobs in Shannon before the election.

Minsiter for Defence Willie O'Dea is travelling to Lebanon today to assess the situation facing Irish peacekeepers in the volatile south of the country.