Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

——romantic Ireland is alive and well. It may be discerned in Deputy Enright of Fine Gael.

The second report of the strategic task force has presented us with a valuable and comprehensive review of alcohol trends, in terms of its use and consequences, in both an Irish and European context. The report's 78 recommendations are based on internationally proven measures which are evidence based and appropriate to Ireland's complex alcohol problems, as outlined in my opening address and, indeed, outlined very well by a number of Members today and previously. Several Members mentioned the previous report of the task force, which was published in 2002. I would like to take the opportunity to highlight the many successful initiatives which have taken place since that report's publication.

In 2002 over €6 billion of personal income was spent on alcohol, representing just less than €2,000 or approximately €40 a week for every adult living in this country. An important statistic, that of overall consumption, fell last year for the first time in over 16 years. This change must be maintained and built upon and in tandem with the implementation of the recommendations we will in time see a reduction in alcohol-related harm. Progress has been made in a number of other areas arising from the implementation of measures recommended in the report of the first task force. A three-year alcohol awareness campaign was launched which proved effective in raising awareness of alcohol as a public health issue. The Road Traffic Act extended the grounds for requesting a breath specimen and a move to random breath testing is recommended. The recently published road safety strategy 2004-06 also calls for the introduction of random breath testing. The Government has strengthened the licensing laws through the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, which contains measures to counter drunkenness and disorderly conduct and to combat under age drinking. These include the prohibition of "happy hours" and of persons under 18 from the bars of licensed premises after set times. The Act prohibits the supply of intoxicating liquor to drunken persons on licensed premises and licensees may not permit drunkenness in the bars of licensed premises.

Legislation is being drafted by the parliamentary draftsman which aims to reduce the exposure of alcohol to children, from advertising and marketing. A number of research projects have been undertaken to monitor and inform alcohol policy decision making. The Irish Sports Council's code of ethics and good practice for children's sport in Ireland has been instrumental in encouraging national sporting organisations to promote alcohol-free sporting environments. This code contains several recommendations as regards alcohol and to date 62 out of the 67 governing sports bodies have signed up to it and appointed national children's officers to implement the guidelines at local level. The health promotion unit produced a framework for the development of a college alcohol policy in association with the heads of colleges and the Union of Students of Ireland. The framework provides guidelines for a comprehensive approach which includes measures on controlling promotion, sponsorship and marketing on college campuses, providing education and support services as well as alternatives and limiting harm in the drinking environment. The responsible server training programme, developed by the Department of Health and Children and the drinks industry, is being delivered nationwide.

Last year there was a substantial increase in the number of public order offences in Ireland and alcohol has been identified as a major factor. Excessive consumption of alcohol represents one of the most serious threats to public health. Despite all the figures and the evidence on a weekly basis, it is remarkable how tolerant as a nation we are of alcohol. That may be a state of mind or an attitude we have grown up with but it is an attitude we have to change. While there has been improvement I accept that much more needs to be done. This report of the task force must be used as our guideline for future actions. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children intends to bring this report to Government in the near future to seek approval for the implementation of its recommendations. The Government is committed to tackling the problem and I thank Members for their valuable contributions and the interest they have shown in this important public health issue, not only today but on many occasions in recent years.

Members of the Joint Committee on Health and Children have also contributed greatly through their report on alcohol misuse by young people. While in the media young people are often painted as the real offenders when it comes to alcohol-related problems, the majority of alcohol-related harm takes place among the adult population. The same applies in the case of drink driving. It appears young drivers are much more responsible when it comes to not drinking and driving.

The task force has produced a comprehensive robust report which I urge every public representative, public servant, medical expert and relevant organisation and institution to examine and to work towards the implementation of its recommendations. I accept the point made by Senator Ormonde that perhaps it has not been made available to the public or that we have not explained it to the public as well we could have done. That is an issue at which we will look.

We have a very serious problem but we can take effective measures that will make the difference. While Ireland might like a drink, as Senator McHugh said in quoting another gentleman, the same could be said about smoke and smoking. We introduced some legislative changes recently which dealt with smoking in the workplace. This time last year one could have said that Ireland liked to smoke, today it could be said that Ireland is happy to be smokeless. Recent figures indicate that sales of tobacco have reduced by 17% since the introduction of the ban. We should not give up hope. We can reduce the number of people——