A policy document for the formulation of an alcohol policy for third level colleges was published today.
The Minster for Health, Mr Micheál Martin, and the President of Limerick University, Mr Roger Downer, jointly launched the framework which outlines a number of policy options including support services for those with alcohol problems and regulating the role of drink sponsorship at colleges.
The formulation of the document followed extensive consultations between the universities, the Institutes of Technology and the Union of Students of Ireland (USI).
Among the policies for consideration are:
- Regulating the role of drinks reps within colleges
- Finding alternative sources of funding for alcohol sponsorship
- Reviewing advertising of drinks and drink-related events at third level institutions
- Education for students and staff on the use and abuse of alcohol.
Speaking at the launch of the document Mr Martin said he wanted to "nail one assumption".
"It’s the assumption that any move by health promoters on alcohol is a negative one. It’s the assumption that it all boils down to spoil-sport, don’t drink advice". This assumption was "absolutely not true", he said.
Mr Downer said today's report help to address concerns about the impact on campuses of high-risk drinking; alcohol-related academic underachievement and alcohol-related accidents and injuries on the third-level education sector.