Impact of alcohol focus of campaign

CHILDREN’S charity Barnardos has urged political parties to take a pledge to put the welfare of kids before the alcohol industry.

Barnardos made the call at the launch of an advertising campaign that aims to highlight the impact of alcohol on children and young people.

The charity wants a ban on alcohol advertising that targets youths and it is also lobbying for an end to drinks companies sponsoring sports events.

Profits from the alcohol industry should be taxed and the money used to fund youth facilities nationwide, according to Barnardos.

“As part of our Families Under the Influence Campaign we are calling on all political parties and policy makers to pledge that they will always favour the interests of children and young people over other interests, including those of the alcohol industry,” Barnardos chief executive Owen Keenan said.

The campaign will also bring attention to the damage caused to family life by alcohol abuse. We feel that children and young people have a right to be protected from the negative impact of alcohol,” Mr Keenan said.

The advertising drive is part of a multi-media promotion. Ads will run on television over a four-week period in January and February. The ads, developed for free by companies Cawley Nea, Nomad and JC Decaux, are part of the charity’s two-year Every Child Matters Campaign that highlights children’s problems.

Barnardos is the country’s leading children’s charity and works with kids and families in 14 counties to help them reach their full potential.

The charity runs projects nationwide including breakfast and after-school clubs and parenting and self esteem programmes.

Barnardos has centres in Limerick, Cork, Ballyfermot, Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Dun Laoghaire, Edenderry, Tullamore and Thurles. The charity helped distribute Christmas toys to more than 5,000 needy children last month.