Pioneers call on parties to curb drinking

The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association has called on Ireland’s political parties to make the culture of binge drinking an election issue.

The association’s chairman, Fr Micheal MacGreil, said pioneers are worried about the effect longer pub opening hours are having on Irish society.

He said that pioneers are calling for a special garda unit to deal specifically with the use of alcohol.

It is also urging the Government to curtail alcohol advertising.