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.

"Gardaí need to be given proper support," said Fr Mac Gréil. "There is anecdotal evidence that gardaí are not dealing adequately with this problem and they cannot handle people with drink."

The pioneers also expressed concern about the easy availability of alcohol in a variety of outlets in particular, petrol forecourts.

"Many of the staff (in forecourt shops) can be very young and are known to the people who come in. That makes it very difficult for them to refuse to serve alcohol," said association chief executive Pádraic Naughton.

He stressed the pioneer movement was not against alcohol itself. Instead, its aims are to promote the sober use of alcohol and the rehabilitation of the victims of alcohol abuse. The movement, established in 1898, has about 500,000 members worldwide, including 140,000 members in the Republic. "The association is not against drink in moderation," said Mr Naughton. He claimed the pioneers were concerned about excessive levels of alcohol consumption by young people and its potential damage on their physical and mental health.

Mr Naughton pointed out that Ireland's ranking in alcohol consumption terms had jumped from 12th to 1st position since 1996. "The State's policies and controls should be in the best interests of the people and not determined by the vested interests of the alcohol industry," he said.

Other recommendations included greater restrictions on the sale of alcohol at off-licences, the printing of health warnings; the banning of alcohol consumption in all public places and restrictions on sponsorship of sporting events by drinks companies. Association president Seán Coll said the Government should divert more resources towards educational programmes which encouraged alternative lifestyles that did not involve alcohol.

Mr Coll said greater use should be made of celebrities who did not drink alcohol, such as hurling star DJ Carey, to promote the fact that people did not need alcohol to socialise.