Youth Council: Government ‘bottling’ it again?

• 58% believe Government not doing enough to stop alcohol related harm

Fears Government once again caving in to drinks industry lobbying

The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) has expressed concern at reports suggesting that some Ministers are opposed to reasonable measures to tackle our alcohol misuse problem, which are being brought to Cabinet tomorrow.

“We have among the highest levels of alcohol consumption by those under 18 in Europe, with 1 in 5 under 18s being a weekly drinker. All the national and international evidence demonstrates that policies which address price, availability and promotion can reduce the quantity and frequency of drinking by young people under 18,” said James Doorley, NYCI Assistant Director.

“The evidence is there, and so is public support for action. Last week’s national poll, conducted by IPSOS/MRBI for the Health Research Board, * demonstrated significant public support for minimum pricing; tougher regulation of advertising and marketing; and restrictions on the sale of alcohol in mixed trading premises. The poll showed that 58% believe the Government is not doing enough to address alcohol related harm,” continued Mr Doorley.

“Successive Governments have set up committees and received reports, (9 committees and 15 expert reports since 1990) which all largely recommended the same range of actions. These have been ignored or stymied by the lobbying of the powerful drinks industry lobby.”

“The time has come for Government to face down the powerful drinks lobby, and put the health and well being of young people and the public at large ahead of profits of private interests,” concluded Mr Doorley.

ENDS

Press contact: Daniel Meister, Communications Officer, NYCI Tel: 01-425 5955/ 087 781 4903/ 087 672 6619

Email: communications@nyci.ie

National Youth Council of Ireland

The National Youth Council of Ireland is a membership-led umbrella organisation that represents and supports the interests voluntary youth organisations and uses its collective experience to act on issues that impact on young people.
www.youth.ie