James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to intensify measures to tackle alcohol and drug misuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26813/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Government is taking a twin-track approach to tackling alcohol related harm, involving policies and interventions targeted at vulnerable populations and policies targeted at the population at large to reduce the overall level of alcohol misuse in society.

Strengthened voluntary codes on advertising and sponsorship which were developed between my Department and representatives of the Irish drinks industry and the Irish advertising industry came into effect on 1 July last. In addition, the Government has asked my Department to commence a process to identify areas in relation to alcohol advertising, promotions and sponsorships where legislative measures might be necessary to afford greater protection to young people. The Government has also agreed to the establishment of a working group to examine the extent of the existing sponsorships by alcohol companies and the terms and lengths of contracts. This working group will consider how concerns around the extent of sports sponsorship by alcohol companies might be addressed.

As Minister for Health and Children I very much welcome the new Intoxicating Liquor Bill which is being brought through the Dáil at present by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Bill seeks to curtail alcohol consumption in public places, tackle the increased visibility and availability of alcohol through retail outlets and off-licences and tighten the conditions under which premises such as late bars and nightclubs can remain open beyond normal closing time.

In regard to drug misuse, the HSE is identified as the lead co-ordination agency for the implementation of the Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation published by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in May 2007.

The planning and development of a minimum of 25 detoxification residential beds recommended in the Drugs Rehabilitation report will be addressed in conjunction with the recommendations contained in the HSE Report of the Working Group on Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Services which addressed the needs for addiction and alcohol services on a national basis. The planning for these beds, as revenue and staff are made available, will be carried out in the context of the mapping and analysis of existing services; prevalence data/trends; the phased priority planning of future service needs — including taking account of the capacity of the voluntary sector and in the context of the HSE's transformation programme. The HSE's addiction service prioritises those under 18 years of age and, as resources permit, the HSE is implementing the recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Treatment for Under 18 year Olds Presenting to Treatment Services with Serious Drug Problems.

In recent times, the HSE has re-oriented its addiction services to address the needs arising from changing patterns of drug use in the population e.g. poly drug use — including cocaine use. The HSE is also involved in developing community based stand-alone stimulant intervention services which includes additional training for its staff on issues such as cocaine and it is also re-engineering existing addiction services to meet emerging needs.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to use the education system and public awareness campaigns to highlight the damage caused by binge drinking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26814/08]

Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Issues relating to the misuse of alcohol, including binge drinking, are being addressed through the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme, in primary and second level schools. Through SPHE, children can develop a framework of values, attitudes, understanding and skills that will inform their decisions and actions both now and in the future to enhance their health and well-being.

Support for the programme at primary level is provided through the Primary Curriculum Support Programme (PCSP). At post primary level the SPHE Support Service (Post Primary) works as a partnership between my Department, the Department of Education and Science and the HSE to support teachers and schools through on-going inservice training and support. Similar initiatives are underway in the non-formal education setting through partnerships with the key agencies.

Following a recommendation in the National Drugs Strategy 2000-2008, all schools have been offered guidance and support in developing a Substance Use policy setting out, in writing, the framework within which the whole school community manages issues relating to substance use. It should reflect the unique ethos of the school and should aim to develop a shared understanding. Each policy should cover the core components; education concerning substance use, management of incidents and provision for training and staff development.

National public information and awareness campaigns on alcohol are undertaken by the HSE. The latest HSE public information campaign on underage drinking was launched in May this year.