Alcohol-fuelled crime - Youth drink culture is not a game

Young people in other generations did not have the social pressure from peers to drink. There was, in fact, a much stronger public awareness of the dangers of drink.

In recent years St Patrick’s Day has been marred by antisocial behaviour, but such behaviour is not just confined to the national feast day, it is a common occurrence on weekends throughout the year.

Fianna Fáil came to power in 1997 promising “zero tolerance” but we have been tolerating the growth of dangerous behaviour, as if it were a game. Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) were introduced with much fanfare, but not even one ASBO was issued in the past year.

These problems are not going to be solved by tough talking alone, that is, without the necessary back-up action. The latest figures published by the Central Statistics Office indicate that public order offences increased by more than 57% between 2003 and 2007.

There has been a change in the drinking culture as a result of the smoking ban and the crackdown on drink driving. More people are now drinking at home, and, as the price of alcohol in off-licence premises is much cheaper, many are drinking more.

There has been a distinct increase in underage drinking. In the past two years alcohol-related juvenile crime spiralled by 35%. It is undoubtedly more than a coincidence that drink has become more available to underage people, with an 18% increase in the number of off-licence premises selling alcohol.

Reports suggest there were virtual alternative festivities in the Finglas area of Dublin on St Patrick’s Day. About 200 young people gathered to watch so-called joy riding. We should all be thankful that nobody was killed or maimed as a result of that reckless behaviour.

Seven cars were torched in the area, and in one instance, louts dragged the owner out of a car, made off with it, and then torched it after they had their fun. This is not just antisocial behaviour, it is serious criminal behaviour and should be regarded as such.

There have been suggestions that the drinking age should be raised to 21, but that will only compound the current problems, unless something is first done to ensure a determined crackdown on those drinking under 18. Where children are involved, parents must be held responsible.

The Government must act to ensure that people are held responsible. If there is not a distinct improvement in the coming months, no minister should be allowed to leave the country for next St Patrick’s Day.