The Joint Committee on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, as part of its Work Programme, is examining the question of the inclusion of alcohol in the National Drugs Strategy.

This Oireachtas Committee will, as part of its deliberations, be hearing a presentation on Wednesday 23 April 2008 at 4.15 p.m. in Leinster House from Dr. Siobhán Barry, Clinical Director, Cluain Mhuire Services, Blackrock and her colleague, Dr. Larkin Feeney also of Cluain Mhuire Services on the extent, causes and consequences of alcohol abuse in Ireland. They will also put proposals to the Committee with a view to remedying what is now a national problem.

This work is timely in view of the impending legislation in the area from the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform and it can also be seen in the context of the just published Report for the HSE entitled "Alcohol-Related Harm in Ireland".

[For the full debate, click on this link to the Oireachtas website]