Alcohol Awareness

Alcohol is frequently associated with many aspects of Irish social and cultural life and its use has become deeply woven into our national identity.  For many, alcohol is also seen as a gateway to illicit drug use – particularly for young people while poly-drug use - which very often includes alcohol - is now the norm among illicit drug users.

A new Steering Group will be established in autumn 2009 to develop proposals for an overall Substance Misuse Strategy that will incorporate the already agreed drugs policy element. Membership of the Group will reflect the appropriate statutory, community/voluntary and other relevant interests.  The Group will be jointly chaired by officials from the Department of Health and Children and the Office of the Minister for Drugs.  The secretariat function will be shared between the two bodies.  The Group will be asked to report by the end of 2010.