Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I support many of the points raised, starting with that raised by Senator Fitzgerald on the outcome of the Murphy report. I do not have answers, nor does anybody else. It is a pity institutions are being destroyed when it is individuals within them who should be targeted. We should have a debate on the issue when the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, should advise us on where we stand in this respect, how children are being protected in the education system, in schools and sports centres, and the issue of human trafficking. As there are many aspects involved, I would welcome a debate on the issue and an opportunity to be updated on how children are being protected.

An interesting study, the Slán lifestyle study, was carried out last week. It researched the topic of binge drinking, particularly among those under the age of 18 years. Such behaviour is becoming more prevalent as a result of high unemployment, stress and strain in families and abuse. A question that must be asked is whether we have a national alcohol policy? Do we have a national substance misuse strategy. These are the questions being asked. A debate on them would be welcome. I refer to high unemployment, stress and strain in families, how we protect children and family life, and the awful increase in the volume of alcohol consumption, particularly among those under the age of 18 years, referred to as binge drinking. I call for two debates: one on the how we protect children and the other on whether we should introduce a national alcohol policy. Such a policy should be covered in our schools. While there is a civics course, the education children receive in school is not transferred to broader society when they go home in the evening. I call for the introduction of a high level national awareness campaign on these issues.