*

required information

Children are affected by alcohol in two ways – by becoming drinkers themselves at a young age and also by growing up in a household where alcohol is misused by parents. The impact of alcohol misuse can impact on children physically, psychologically, educationally and socially.

Statistics on alcohol consumption in Ireland

• Ireland continues to be amongst the highest consumers of alcohol in the world. Between 1996-2006, alcohol consumption per capita increased by 48%.
• Alcohol related problems such as healthcare, crime, accidents and absenteeism costs the State €3billion per annum.
• Alcohol linked to 71% of cases of domestic violence.
• 32% of Irish 15-16 year olds surveyed reported engaging in binge drinking at least three times in the month prior to the survey being conducted, the highest in the EU for that age group.
• Binge drinking can directly cause depression, anxiety, suicide and attempted suicide.
• Alcohol related offences for 15-17 year olds increased by 135% between 2000-2005.

Some key policy actions that Barnardos is seeking in this area include:

• Implementation of the recommendations of the Strategic Taskforce on Alcohol 2004, including increasing excise duty on alcohol and supporting community based initiatives aimed at reducing underage drinking.
• Abolish below cost selling alcohol in supermarkets and off-licenses, including promotions such as "buy 2 bottles, get the 3rd one free" and "up to 50% off". These tactics can fuel binge drinking and can lead to situations where alcoholic drinks are cheaper than non-alcoholic drinks.
• Introduce warning labels on alcoholic drinks. This may act as a deterrent, especially to pregnant women where the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy remains high and can place the baby at risk of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
• Advertising does work and international research indicates that young people respond to alcohol marketing by changing their beliefs and expectations about drinking. A present, only a voluntary code of advertising applies. Barnardos calls for the introduction of legislation to reduce the exposure of children to alcohol advertising and sponsorship. This would include a watershed of 9pm before any alcohol related advertising could appear on TV, radio or cinema. 

Useful documents

Our objectives in addressing alcohol misuse was outlined in the submission to the Alcohol Advisory Group 2008

• News
• Publications