Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. Bhí sé anseo cheana nuair a pléadh an ábhar seo. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil suim mhór aige ann.

This topic commands significant public attention at present, of which the number of Senators wishing to speak is indicative. Much of Irish society revolves around social drinking, and there is nothing wrong with that. No matter what country one visits in Europe, throughout the world and in places as far away as Shanghai and Beijing, one comes across a traditional Irish pub. This is an aspect of our culture which we have exported to other countries. There is much to be said for social drinking.

However, moderation is the key and our record in this area flies in the face of moderation. A recent EU report states that the percentage of Irish people who drink alcohol on a regular basis is more than double the EU average. When alcohol consumption rates across EU member states were compared it emerged that regular consumption was highest in the Republic of Ireland, where 52% of the population drink regularly. This compared with rates of 44% in Denmark and Great Britain and 43% in the Netherlands. The lowest consumption rates were in Italy, at 12%, and Spain, at 19%. Overall, a quarter of EU citizens regularly drink alcohol, ranging from 6% of women and 19% of men in Italy, to 40% of women and 64% of men in Ireland. When different age groups were looked at, Ireland had the highest percentage of regular drinkers in all but the 55 to 64 age group. Obviously, it takes us some considerable time to realise that moderation should be the order of the day.

In the 15 to 24 age group, 52% of Irish people are regular drinkers compared to just 10% in Italy, 16% in Portugal and 18% in France. In the 24 to 34 age group the pattern is the same. Some 66% of Irish people are regular drinkers compared to 10% in Italy, 20% in Austria and 45% in Britain. Some 40% of women and 64% of men drink compared to the EU average of 25%. We should aim to reach the EU average. That shows us the scale of the challenge. However, it is not only the Government and State agencies which should tackle this issue. Each person has free will and we are all masters of our own destiny to some degree. People must exercise self-discipline and play their part. I do not subscribe to the notion that everything is the responsibility of the State and that people do not have individual responsibility. This problem affects all age groups.

A report published in 1999 showed that more than half of young people had experience of alcohol before the age of 12, which is alarming. Senator Terry mentioned teenage drinking habits and their wide-ranging social effects. That must be highlighted. I spoke to a friend recently who is my age and who owns a hotel. He said that when we were young we only had enough money to buy a few pints, but we enjoyed having a drink. He said he was amazed at young people today who go to his premises not to drink, but to get drunk. That is a significant difference.

Alcopops play a part in this regard. A recent survey found that the consumption of alcopops among girls has more than doubled, from 3% in 1998 to 8% in 2002. Consumption of spirits among girls has also increased, from 3.8% to 6.8% over the same period. There was a huge outcry from the drinks industry when the Minister for Finance put additional taxes on alcopops in the second last budget. Any moves which act as a disincentive will be opposed by the drinks industry. It is a powerful lobby and we should be conscious of that. However, it is up to the Government and to us as legislators to have the courage of our convictions and to ensure that our society is regulated in such a way as to benefit all citizens.

Binge drinking is a serious problem, particularly among young people. It is a factor in alcoholism, which is a disease. It should be avoided by young people who are starting out in life. It is both socially and medically damaging. It is accepted that people who drink to excess will have serious health problems in the future. It also contributes to poor school performance and to an increased number of accidents on the roads. We have had numerous debates about road traffic legislation. One major contributory factor to accidents, which is targeted by the gardaí and in legislation, is drink.

Senator Terry correctly alluded to the breakdown of relationships and the number of domestic violence cases, many of which have their roots in alcohol excess. As heavy drinkers or alcoholics know, this problem does not only affect themselves, but their spouses, partners and children. It impacts on a number of people. There are many good reasons for trying to regulate it. Teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, to which Senator Terry referred, are also problems associated with drink. Parents should engage with their children more than they do at present and point out the dangers and risks and the life changing effect it can have on people.

We have seen, as the Minister of State pointed out in his speech, the unfortunate consequences of drink, such as assaults, fights and, in some cases, deaths. Alcohol is also a significant factor in suicide. Our casual attitude to drink, both at home and elsewhere, must be tackled. Advertising was mentioned. The relationship between drink and sport is being addressed by the Government and by sporting organisations. A greater part must be played by schools and parents.

One factor which contributes to excessive drinking is the rounds culture we have in this country. People who go out for only one or two drinks often find themselves drinking five or six drinks because they become socially involved with other people. That is odd, although I do it, like everyone else. If a person is standing beside someone in the supermarket who is getting groceries, he or she will not offer to pay for them. However, if that person goes into a pub and someone is at the bar, he or she will buy him or her a drink. Perhaps a campaign should be started to end that culture. It might have some beneficial effect.