Time called on alcohol abuse

The Joint Oireachtas Health Committee faces new challenges in its efforts against alcohol abuse.

The problems associated with alcohol abuse reach every corner of society. It is associated with health problems such as liver cirrhosis and various cancers, it is linked to mental difficulties, self-harm and suicide, it places an unnecessary burden on the healthcare system, it is a factor in domestic abuse, it can destroy families and finances, it is connected to criminal behaviour and it plays a part in fatalities on Irish roads.

So what can be done to curb alcohol’s corrosive impact on society? Last month, Health Minister James Reilly stated that the report of the Steering Group for the National Substance Misuse Strategy is close to completion and is expected to be published in the coming months.

The report will look at policies concerning the supply, pricing, availability and marketing of alcohol, including the question of a minimum price for alcohol.

Time called on alcohol abuse

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