Written answers

Tuesday, 28 March 2006

Department of Health and Children

Alcohol Action Ireland Survey

11:00 pm

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the results of the Alcohol Action Ireland survey entitled Alcohol in Ireland — Time for Action have been brought to her attention; the action the Government intends to take on foot of the results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11569/06]

Photo of Seán PowerSeán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the recently published survey referred to by the Deputy. Officials from this Department have invited Alcohol Action Ireland to submit a copy. A strategic task force on alcohol was established in January 2002 and given a remit to recommend specific evidence-based measures to Government to prevent and reduce alcohol related harm. It has published two reports which together provide approximately 100 recommendations across a wide range of sectors. Significant progress has been made across Departments in implementing the task force's recommendations.

Legislative measures which have been adopted include the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 which assists in regulating availability. "Happy hours" have been abolished and restrictions on the access of children to licensed premises have been introduced. The Road Traffic Act 2003 extended the grounds for requesting a breath test to detect alcohol and the Minister for Transport has indicated his commitment to the introduction of random breath testing.

A voluntary code of practice on alcohol advertising has been agreed between the Department of Health and Children and the drinks, media and advertising industries. This addresses many of the concerns over alcohol advertising. The Tánaiste has indicated her intention to introduce legislation if there is insufficient adherence to the voluntary code.

Significant progress has also been made in terms of research projects, the delivery of responsible server training, awareness-raising campaigns, etc. Community mobilisation projects have been identified internationally as one of the most effective measures at reducing alcohol related harm. Resources have been allocated to the Health Service Executive to support such projects in this country. As the Deputy will be aware, the executive functions of this Department have transferred to the Health Service Executive, which will now have responsibility for progressing many of the task force's recommendations.

A working group on alcohol was established under the special initiative on tackling alcohol and drug misuse in Sustaining Progress to help mobilise the stakeholders through social partnership to achieve a targeted and measurable reduction in alcohol misuse. Its remit was to examine the areas of high risk drinking, under age drinking and drink driving and to identify actions which member organisations could adopt to address these issues with a view to developing a programme of action. The group's report was submitted to the Tánaiste last week and future action is now being considered by my Department.

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