My family knows all about effects of alcohol

I would like to reply to the outgoing CEO of Irish Distillers Anna Malmhake who states “Irish Distillers is fully committed to tackling alcohol misuse. However, the current legislative proposals contained in the Alcohol Bill are a disproportionate and ineffective response and will have unintended consequences”(Irish Examiner, February 12).

I suppose as the parent of a young man who died by suicide after a drink-fuelled and irresponsible house party, Ms Malmhake and I would have different opinions on the Public Health (Alcohol Bill).

She speaks of the bill having unintended consequences, certainly not for those abusing alcohol or for the three people who die every day as a direct result of alcohol.

Does she realise that in over 50% of suicides alcohol is a contributing factor and a person is eight times more likely to die by suicide when abusing alcohol? These are the consequences of alcohol abuse.

The three main drivers of abuse are price availability and promotion — the aim of the bill is to address those issues.

Why is the alcohol industry so afraid of this bill — is it because they know it will help to reduce consumption? I sincerely hope Ms Malmhake never experiences the tragic circumstances that have left us where we are today.

John Higgins

Shanaghy Heights

Ballina

Co Mayo