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Kicking alcohol sponsorship to touch?

The Irish Sports Council, the IRFU and the GAA all announced last week their opposition to the proposed recommendation phasing out alcohol sponsorship of sports by 2016 - a key recommendation of the National Substance Misuse Strategy. They were the latest voices to speak out against the proposed ban – even before the strategy was launched, four senior Ministers had let their opposition be known. The question now is – what are the odds of alcohol sponsorship of sports coming... Full Story


Alcohol Strategy — political will key to turning ‘blueprint for change’ into plan of action

Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues, today welcomed the new National Substance Misuse Strategy saying it provided a blueprint for change and marked an opportunity to have a different relationship with alcohol. Director Fiona Ryan said: "We know in Ireland that we have a difficult relationship with alcohol. We know because one in 11 children - enough children to fill Croke Park - tell us their lives are being negatively impacted by a parent's drinking. We know... Full Story


Health Committee recommendations welcome – but political action needed to make them a reality

Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues, today welcomed the Dail Health Committee's recommendation backing minimum pricing and a raft of other measures on alcohol availability and marketing but urged political action to make the recommendations a reality. Director Fiona Ryan said: “The Health Committee has shown real leadership in the debate on alcohol consumption and harm and the fact that these measures have all party support is very welcome since it shows increased recognition for the fact... Full Story


Submission regarding review of the code of practice on the sale and display of alcohol in mixed trading premises

Introduction and Background Click here to view the full submission document. Alcohol Action Ireland is the national charity for alcohol-related issues. We work to raise awareness of alcohol-related harm and the solutions needed to tackle that harm. It is for that reason that we are making the following submission to the Department of Justice. Alcohol is a licensed product due it harmful properties. The World Health Organisation states that alcohol is a factor in more than 60 diseases and conditions;... Full Story


20th December deadline for submissions: review of voluntary code for sale and display of alcohol in mixed trading premises

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter launched a review of the voluntary Code of Practice for the display and sale of alcohol in supermarkets, convenience stores and similar mixed trading outlets on 26th October. The deadline for submissions is fast approaching - Tuesday 20th December 2011. Interested bodies and individuals may submit comments on the Compliance Report for 2011 or, more generally, on the effectiveness of the voluntary approach to structural separation by 20th December 2011. An information note and the... Full Story


Government Excise Duty decision “incomprehensible” as €2.2billion in cuts implemented. Excise duty restoration could have earned the Government €178million

Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues, today branded the Government's decision to keep alcohol excise duty at the same slashed levels as the previous Government's budget as "incomprehensible" and said the €178 million generated by an excise duty restoration could have covered the combined cuts to lone parent families, fuel allowance, disability services and increased student fees. Alcohol Action Ireland Director Fiona Ryan said: "Two years ago, the previous Government cut excise duty on alcohol and that... Full Story


New findings alcohol related harm and crime

Alcohol - Where's the Harm? Conference, 9.30am, Royal College of Physicians One in 11 report they or a family member assaulted by someone under the influence of alcohol in past year New research from alcohol charity shows 50% of people have experienced some of alcohol-related intimidation, threat or violence in the past year One in 11 people report they or a member of their family has been assaulted over the past year by someone under the influence of alcohol -... Full Story


Alcohol Action Ireland’s Conference – Presentations, 15th November 2011

To download a soft copy of   the presentations click on the presenter's name.   All presentations are available in adobe, portable document format (PDF) Session One - Alcohol and Crime in Ireland, Counting the Costs National Quantitative Research, Director of Alcohol Action Ireland, Fiona Ryan National and International Context   - Dr. Anne Hope Economic Costs of Alcohol Related Crime - Senior Lecturer, Sean Byrne Session Two - Exploring Responses to Alcohol and Crime Garda Juvenile Diversion Program - Superintendent, Colette Quinn... Full Story


Alcohol Action Ireland’s Oireachtas address to the Joint Committee on Health and Children

Deputy Buttimer and committee members, thank you for having us here today. My name is Fiona Ryan and I am the director of Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues. In the course of our presentation you will be hearing from our board member Dr Bobby Smyth, who is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, working full time with adolescents who have substance use disorders. He is also the lead author of College of Psychiatry of Ireland's position... Full Story


Minimum Pricing on alcohol call from national charities and medical representative organisations

Tackle alcohol pricing to cut €3.7 billion bill from alcohol-related harm National charities and medical representative organisations back call for minimum pricing Alcohol Action Ireland, the national charity for alcohol-related issues, is calling on the Government to tackle alcohol pricing in this year's budget with a minimum pricing initiative and an excise duty restoration that could earn the Government €178million and reduce Ireland's €3.7billion bill from alcohol-related harm. The call for minimum pricing on alcohol is being supported by leading... Full Story