Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I thank Senator Norris for sharing time. I spoke on this issue in 2002 but have a few other points I would like to raise. There is no question but that the drink culture requires urgent attention. Urgent social change is required which will need tough decisions to tackle major vested interests. A public information plan is also required to deal with the health and educational aspects of alcohol abuse.

There is no use always blaming young people for the adverse affects of alcohol abuse. We live in a society where almost everything revolves around drink. It is no wonder young people are drawn into the drink culture long before they reach the legal age at which they are permitted to purchase alcohol. Recently, we saw the ludicrous situation where people sought extensions for holy communions so that drink could be served. It is absolutely crazy. Whether communions, confirmations, weddings or wakes, it is unfortunate that alcohol abuse is closely associated with these life events.

The links between sporting organisations and the drinks industry are another example of how young people, in particular, are targeted. Sporting occasions seem to be an excuse for open indulgence in alcohol. This is an area where a total change in social attitudes must occur but it will not happen overnight.

The cost of soft drinks in pubs, clubs and hotels is a disgrace. The mark up on these products cannot be justified. The price of soft drinks is so grossly inflated that one wonders whether this is for profit purposes only or an attempt to turn people off these products and attract them to alcoholic beverages instead. One would pay less for a pint in most places than for two small bottles of lemonade, Lucozade or Coke, which is a disgrace. The No Name Club and several other clubs have been mentioned. What chance do they have when the price of soft drinks and bottled water is grossly inflated?

Alcohol is an addictive drug and there is a need to educate young people about the destruction it causes. We have spoken about the effect people who suffer from alcoholism have on families. This disease causes problems in homes and beyond them. The health problems caused by over-consumption of alcohol and the damage it causes must be spelled out. It may be difficult to get young people to look 20 or 30 years into the future at the effects over-consumption of alcohol in their teenage years may cause, but we must convey that message. This is a challenge which must be tackled.

It is imperative that children in schools are educated about the effects of alcohol. The Minister of State spoke about greater health promotion in this area, and I fully agree with that. This must begin in the schools but we must also involve all of society in the educational process to achieve the major change which is absolutely necessary. There is no point lecturing young people if adults are not prepared to change their attitudes as well.

The number of suicides in recent years is dreadful. Each year there are more suicides than people killed on our roads. I urge that additional finance be given to the Irish Association of Suicidology and other organisations dealing with the question of suicide to research the relationship between alcohol and the incidence of suicides. I believe a significant number of people commit suicide because of the over-indulgence of alcohol.

As Senator Terry mentioned, we have quite enough laws. The enforcement of those laws is necessary. Rather than dwell on the legislation, I would prefer to concentrate on the health promotion and educational aspects of this major problem affecting our country. We must deal with this problem and rise to the challenge, and health promotion is the best way to do this.