Media Box Releases

Alcohol Forum Anticipates Minister Shortall’s Action on Alcohol

The Alcohol Forum says it is hoping for an “unfaltering commitment” from Minister Róisín Shortall in relation to policy changes around alcohol.

Minister Shortall was expected to reveal plans today relating to 13 recommendations contained in a Joint Health Committee Report on Alcohol and Substance Misuse published in January.

North South Strategist with Alcohol Forum Eamon O’Kane says, “We hope Minister Shortall stands tall in what could potentially be radical legislative change helping to save lives, alter mindsets and ultimately change a generational culture towards alcohol. We’ve seen her commitment already in relation to this topic but it’s time for her cabinet colleagues to row in behind her. We sincerely hope this issue is not put off until the Autumn, as it is needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”

“Alcohol misuse costs the economy €3.7 billion a year in health costs, misuse causes increased crime, 2,000 hospital beds are occupied on a daily basis by people with alcohol-related conditions while alcohol is a factor in about half of all suicides. We need action and we need it now. This is an opportunity not to be missed,” says O’Kane.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

More information on Alcohol Forum at www.alcoholforum.org

Alcohol Forum Media Pack can be downloaded here http://bit.ly/Q2XOFL

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Joanne Sweeney-Burke, Media Box

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