Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Noel Sheridan welcomes Advisory Group to deal with misuse of Alcoho

Published: 29 September, 2008

Sinn Féin Mayor Armagh City Council, Noel Sheridan has welcomed the recent creation of an Advisory Group which will help to address the misuse of alcohol.

Cllr. Sheridan said,

"Sinn Féin welcomed the creation of this Advisory Group in the Council this week. The Advisory group will investigate how all stakeholders can play a full part in helping to address the misuse of alcohol, underage drinking and binge drinking.

"We also called on all Executive Departments to commit to tackling the issues involved and supported in particular community based initiatives to tackle alcohol misuse on our streets."

"Research carried out by the Health Promotion Agency and Queen's University suggests that many children in the North of Ireland have their first drink at the age of 11 is very worrying indeed .

"The over-all increase in the numbers of those receiving treatment for drug and alcohol misuse is worrying but the fact that the numbers of those under the age of eighteen in treatment has trebled in the last two years requires urgent action.

"While we must continue to address the general problems of drug and alcohol misuse the increased numbers of young people being treated requires a special focus