Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the amendment because anybody who visits an accident and emergency department or any other health facility will see the devastation alcohol causes, the increased workload it brings on staff and the danger it brings to staff working in accident and emergency departments. As Deputy Donnelly said, quite often people who need urgent care are displaced because of alcohol overdose and misuse. It also leads to increased levels of suicide and road traffic accidents. It is not just the actual alcohol presentation, it is the cause of many other events that lead to people coming to hospital. This amendment should be accepted. What our health service most particularly lacks is proper data on many issues. It would be extremely important that we use this legislation to gather data on alcohol-related harm.

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