State accused of collaboration with drinks industry

A LOBBY group aiming to curb excess alcohol consumption has accused the Government of being in “collaboration” with the drinks industry.

Alcohol Action Ireland said this link is “stifling” the Government’s ability to confront problems associated with alcohol. Responding to last week’s revelations that alcohol consumption went up by 17% in the past 10 years and the number of people seeking treatment for drink problems increased by 21%, the group claimed the Government “is not protecting young people from alcohol-related harm”.

According to executive Marion Rackard, the increase in alcohol consumption and problems is because of: