Forget reports — let’s have action on alcohol

JUSTICE Minister Brian Lenihan’s declaration that he is seriously going to tackle the problem of binge drinking is to be welcomed.

It is interesting to note what the Taoiseach said at the European brewery convention in Dublin in 2003: “The Minister for Health will shortly be bringing forward legislation to protect young people from the exposure to alcohol marketing, including advertising sponsorship and sales promotions.

“This will include restricting advertising of alcohol products on public transport, in youth centres and at sporting events where young people under 18 are participating. It would also prohibit broadcasting of alcohol advertising on TV and radio before 10pm and in cinemas where movies are being shown for children and young people under 18 years of age.”

An Alcohol Products Bill was due before the Dáil in 2005, but because of the powerful drinks industry lobby, this was scuppered and a system of voluntary regulation was restored.

We have enough reports. What we need is action. By setting up another committee the justice minister is only outsourcing decision-making.

Something needs to be done immediately about alcohol advertising. Research has linked our high levels of consumption to increased suicide, mental illness, crime, visits to A&E, road accidents and unprotected sex which in turn contributes to rapid increases in sexually transmitted infections.

We need to go back to what the Taoiseach said in 2003 and act on it.

Patrick Cahill

81 Whitehall Road

Terenure

Dublin 12