Dr. Helen McAvoy:

I thank the Deputy for those questions. The issue around the embedding of alcohol use within cultural identity and cultural, sporting and leisure activity is a concern. We would see that this Bill perpetuates that because it does not just relate to pubs and clubs; it relates to holiday camps, taking the train, going to the airport and all of these things in public spaces where one may not choose to go and consume alcohol. I think that the Deputy is absolutely right.

On the role of education and awareness, educating people and promoting messages on responsible drinking is certainly not the best way to effectively reduce alcohol use. The evidence tells us that is very limited. The World Health Organization has provided guidance on the best buys and what actually works in reducing alcohol use in the long term. Those issues are around reducing the availability, accessibility and appeal of alcohol through advertising. We know what needs to be done. Many of those measures are included in the Public Health (Alcohol) Act, which, as the Deputy will be aware, took an extraordinarily long time to progress through its legislative journey. We need to look at the Public Health (Alcohol) Act first, see the messages in that, see the approach being taken in that and build any other alcohol policy decisions around what that Act is trying to achieve. It is based on evidence, what the WHO said and international experience in many different countries. We should start with that and not worry too much about education and awareness. Without changing the dial on culture change, the Deputy is quite right that we are losing the battle.