Gardaí support our drink-drive campaign
For the record, the designated driver campaign organised by MEAS last Christmas, and again this year, is supported by an Garda Siochána, the National Safety Council, the Automobile Association, the publican organisations (Licensed Vintners Association and Vintners Federation of Ireland), the off-licence organisation (NOffLA), and the wider drinks industry, including the soft drinks sector.
The MEAS campaign wants to get people who are socialising during the Christmas period to designate a member of their group to refrain from drinking alcohol so they can drive everyone home safely.
It is supported by publicans up and down the country, many of whom are giving free non-alcoholic drinks to the designated driver to encourage the campaign.
This campaign is perfectly consistent with the overall MEAS stance that people who drive should not drink alcohol at all.
Furthermore, for the record - and to repudiate Ms Shannon's insinuations - this organisation fully supports the introduction of random breath testing, and commends the minister for justice for his plans to introduce a dedicated Gárda traffic corps.
I would also like to make it clear that while MEAS was a drinks industry initiative, its remit - to combat alcohol misuse and abuse - is pursued totally independently.
Tackling alcohol abuse is a challenge for a wide range of interests, including parents, teachers, the drinks industry, legislators, government agencies and health professionals, and one which is best pursued on a collaborative basis.
Ms Shannon's contribution, on behalf of Alcohol Action Ireland, does her own cause very little justice.
Fionnuala Sheehan
Chief Executive
MEAS
1-3 Lower Fitzwilliam Street
Dublin 2.
