Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The figures quoted in the media and referred to by Deputy Kenny in regard to teenage drinking and drug use relate to a survey which was carried out in 2002 and published in 2003. The report is four years old. It was published by the European school survey project on alcohol and drugs. The statistics, together with other research from 22 different data sources, are contained in a report which has been compiled by the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, and the Office of the Minister for Children. The report will be published today. It does not contain any new information. It is a compilation of existing data on areas of children's lives that have been identified as important indicators of their well-being.

The report contained some very good news about children. For example, Irish children rank second among WHO countries in terms of being physically active and involved in recreation and sport. This is classified worldwide as being at least four hours per week. I agree with Deputy Kenny about the fact that 40% of teenagers have experimented with drugs — let us get the word right, it is "experimented". If a child of 14 tries one fag or one drink, it does not make him or her a compulsive smoker or an alcoholic.

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