Binge drinking ‘must be tackled’

THE Government should do more to increase awareness about the problem of binge drinking among teenagers, the head of a teachers union said last night.

Pat Cahill, president of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI), said last week’s revelation that twice as many Irish people drink regularly than other EU citizens should be of concern to parents and educators.

He said Irish people are not aware of the extent of the problem but teachers are witnessing the effects of alcohol abuse by students every week.

Mr Cahill said while the size of the problem has not been properly recognised, it demands more attention by Government agencies.

“Binge-drinking among students is not just an issue for the Department of Education and Science, it is also a matter for the Department of Health,” he said.

“Second-level schools have an important role to play in preventing alcohol abuse, but teachers need support in tackling the issue,” said Mr Cahill.

He highlighted the continuing commitment of schools and teachers to inform and educate pupils on alcohol abuse.

The issue of teenage drinking will form a key part of Mr Cahill’s speech to the ASTI convention next month. The 500 delegates will also be addressed by former GAA president and anti-drink campaigner Dr Mick Loftus.

Meanwhile, a leading consultant has urged St Patrick’s Day revellers not to go overboard tonight.

Dr Chris Luke of Cork University Hospital’s A&E department said the symbolism of the national holiday has been replaced with a ‘drink all you can’ mentality. Casualty wards are expecting admissions to be up on normal midweek figures tonight.