Govt consults teenagers on alcohol abuse

Teenagers were asked for their views on alcohol abuse in their age group today as the Government formulates its strategy to tackle the growing problem.

Minister for Children, Brendan Smith, told some of those who participated that their opinions would be borne in mind when the Government sits down to draw up a blue print to tackle the problem.

Views were harvested in five locations around the country last year after every second level school and youth organisation in the country was contacted to nominate participants.

Workshops took place in Athlone, Sligo, Cork and Dublin involving 257 young people between the ages of 12 and 18.

The reduction in the legal age of drinking to 16, the provision of alcohol-free facilities for teenagers and an up-dated identification system to replace the widely forged national ID cards were amongst the recommendations which Minsiter Brendan Smith said would be taken on board.