Youth Council slams Govt subservience to drinks industry

The National Youth Council has accused the Government of putting the interests of the drinks industry before public health.

The accusation follows publication of an EC report identifying the Irish as the biggest binge drinkers and the highest spenders on alcohol in the EU15.

The National Youth Council said it was not surprised by the findings, given the fact that the Government has allowed the drinks industry to regulate itself when it comes to alcohol advertising.

"If the Government started taking the health interests of young people on board when it comes to alcohol and put them before the business interests of vintners, something could be done to stop all Irish people from drinking to such excessive levels," spokesperson Sinead Gahan said.