Garda unit to tackle alcohol abuse ‘must be set up’

A SPECIALIST garda division must be set up to tackle the growing problem of alcohol abuse, an abstinence group said yesterday.

In a submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children yesterday, the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association recommended a garda body similar to the National Drugs Unit to prevent underage drinking and to police increasing levels of intoxication among young people.

Association chairperson Fr Micheál Mac Gréil said alcohol abuse had become so serious that such a garda body was warranted to ensure greater enforcement of existing legislation.