Though the first topic chosen for discussion by delegates of Dáil na nÓg was Alcohol and Drug Abuse, nearly all the conversation and concern was focussed around the abuse of alcohol. This reflects the fact that alcohol is used by more young people than any other drug in Ireland. And within the subject of alcohol, most of the discussion was centred around the consumption of alcohol by young people, but some applied to the use of alcohol across our society.
We do recognise that some of the thoughts of the delegates have produced outcomes that cannot be dealt with in a short time period, for example, the cultural status of alcohol and the need for adults to change their attitudes too. However, there are obtainable targets coming out of the young people’s deliberations too. Consideration and implementation of these could lead to more responsible drinking in Ireland. This would be of great benefit to both government and society as a whole.
Below are some suggestions for how these issues might be dealt with:
Alcohol-free activities:
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Funding for a youth officer and youth group in every local area.
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Direct funding for evening activities for young people, providing an alternative to drinking. Eg. the provision of alcohol-free discos for under 18’s in night clubs, etc.
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Funded activities in community centres and leisure centres for young people in the evenings.
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These activities should be chosen and sometimes organised by the young people themselves.
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