Seanad debates

Thursday, 2 December 2004

Report of Strategic Task Force on Alcohol: Statements (Resumed).

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Pat MoylanPat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Power, to the House and I thank the Leader for raising this matter again. It is important that Members are given an opportunity to put down markers and state their position with regard to the important report on alcohol which we had before us some time ago.

I will speak in general about the problems associated with young people and alcohol. The issue may be highlighted as a result of Members speaking on it and some young people who are becoming deeply involved in the consumption of alcohol might think again and take a different view. Sometimes, when one wears a Pioneer pin and speaks about alcohol reports or about alcohol in general, there can be a tendency to simply see it as just another member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association speaking out.

I will make a few points about the report and will appeal to people in general, as well as publicans. I am concerned with the manner in which young people can purchase alcohol in public houses. One appreciates the excellent job being done by some publicans in ensuring that only people entitled to purchase and consume alcohol actually do so. In support of publicans I must point out that at least the purchasing and consumption of alcohol in public houses is controlled to the point that people see what is happening and publicans have the opportunity to refuse alcohol to people whom they believe have already consumed alcohol to excess.

One of the problems in this area relates to off-licences. Regularly at weekends and at particular times of celebration, whether it be the winning of matches or competitions, or the conclusion of exams, the alcohol consumption pattern leaves a lot to be desired. We must tighten the rules and regulations for off-licences. Recently I read that there will be further off-licence sales, with young and not so young people being able to purchase alcohol at filling stations. That is fine if the filling stations properly control such sales, but any premises moving into the off-licence business should do so only if permission has been secured to sell alcohol. The general public should be afforded the opportunity to object to a licence at a location such as a filling station. I do not agree with such licences being granted.

Many problem drinkers are young people who are then led on to use drugs. We are aware of the drugs problem in this country. Licensed premises are doing well and expanding, often in close proximity to third level education centres. In any town where there are third level institutions one can see highly organised and extended public houses which afford opportunities for drinking to people who in many cases should be studying instead of being in such premises, consuming alcohol. Such situations lead to drug abuse and to people dropping out of their centres of education.

Previous speakers mentioned alcohol abuse with regard to hospitals and accident and emergency departments. There are problems in accident and emergency departments most nights and not merely at weekends where people are unable to get beds. Half the beds are taken by people unable to stand, but many of them can walk out when they sober up the next day, having created pandemonium and problems for the hard working hospital staff. Those who work in accident and emergency departments face such problems, particularly at weekends, and they are pleading for something to be done. The public is asking why such people should not have to pay. People getting drunk and causing problems in accident and emergency departments should have to pay, whether they are on unemployment benefit or otherwise. The cost should be deducted from their payments, if necessary. I guarantee that would substantially reduce the numbers attending accident and emergency departments due to drink-related problems.

Many young people have lost their lives because of alcohol which, in some cases, is mixed with drugs. Some have committed suicide while others have been involved in accidents which should not have happened. Many families have been left brokenhearted by the loss of a dear one.

We have a responsibility to ensure young people have something to do other than go to a public house. There are schools and community colleges all over the country with well developed facilities such as gyms, yet they are closed at 5 p.m. Young people, who are walking the streets, should be given the opportunity to take part in sports or whatever activity in those gyms so that they stay out of pubs. I compliment the many people who give their time, whether to hurling, football, soccer, rugby or whatever, to ensure young people have an opportunity to play those games, to keep themselves fit, out of trouble and out of pubs.

Parents have a major responsibility in regard to alcohol consumption among young people. They should know exactly where their children are and if they are in public houses when they should not be. In many cases, parents have not shouldered this major responsibility.

Alcohol-related problems occur on our streets. The late opening hours of chippers and the like have caused major problems. There is the major problem of people going to work in the morning who are probably unable to do the work they should do. Many of them drive to work while under the influence of alcohol. GardaĆ­ have much to do in that regard.

We must recognise the outstanding work done by many organisations to try to get young people to take part in sports and stay away from alcohol. This is a subject close to my heart and it annoys and worries me to see so many young people consuming alcohol. From a financial and a health point of view, they would be better off if they decided not to drink. I have been able to enjoy myself without consuming alcohol and so could many of those people who create major problems in the home, for themselves and for their families by consuming alcohol. I have no problem with people taking a drink but the problem is over-consumption of alcohol.

I wish the Minister of State well in his Department. I hope the contributions made by Senators on the last occasion and today will influence the Government in taking necessary steps to ensure there is a better environment for our young people.

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