Three out of five people aged 15 to 17 drink alcohol, having started drinking at an average age of 15 ½, according to the results of a comprehensive poll of young people throughout the State, writes Mark Brennock.
The Irish Times/TNS mrbi youth poll of 15 to 24 year-olds reveals the average number of drinks young drinkers would consume "on a good night out" is eight, with 15 per cent having more than 10. This pattern applies to the youngest 15 to 17 age group as much as to those aged 23 to 24.
However, young people's use of illicit drugs is relatively low, with hard drugs being used by only a tiny minority. While 39 per cent have tried drugs, just 14 per cent regularly use them - take them at least once a fortnight. Of these almost all use soft drugs - cannabis - and there are fewer regular users among the 23 to 24 year-olds than younger people, indicating that for many young people drug-use is just a temporary phase.
The poll was conducted among a national quota sample of 1,000 young people aged 15 to 24 at 100 locations throughout all constituencies in the State.
It took place between August 20th and September 6th last. The respondents completed questions related to more personal topics in private.
Some 80 per cent of young people aged 15 to 24 drink, with 20 per cent not doing so.
The average age at which those who drink started is 15 ½, and 84 per cent began drinking when below the legal minimum age of 18 for being served in a pub. A majority actually opposes the legalisation of soft drugs such as cannabis, with 51 per cent against, 44 per cent in favour, and 5 per cent giving no opinion. In addition, just 8 per cent believe the current minimum legal age limit for being served in a pub should be reduced from 18.
The average number of drinks young drinkers would consume "on a good night out" is eight, a figure which is remarkable consistent across regions, age groups and social groups. It is higher among males (around nine) than females (around seven).
Some 15 per cent say they would have more than 10 drinks "on a good night out", with 2 per cent saying they would have more than 17. Some 48 per cent say they would have six or fewer.
In relation to drugs, some 77 per cent say cannabis is easy to get hold of, with 39 per cent having tried it and 11 per cent using it regularly. Among those aged 15 to 17, 27 per cent have tried cannabis. This rises to 41 per cent of those aged 18 to 19, 44 per cent of the 20 to 22 age group and 49 per cent of those aged 23 and 24.
However, while almost half of young people have tried cannabis by this age, just 6 per cent of the 23 to 24 year-olds regularly use it and there are more regular users among younger people. The drug is used regularly by 14 per cent of those aged 20 to 22, 11 per cent of 18 and 19 year-olds and 10 per cent of 15 to 17 year-olds. While 15 per cent of males use it regularly, just 6 per cent of females do.
In contrast, less than half of 1 per cent regularly use heroin with just 3 per cent having tried it. Ecstasy is regularly used by 3 per cent, and speed and cocaine by 1 per cent each.
Some 12 per cent have tried ecstasy, 10 per cent speed and 9 per cent cocaine. Some 57 per cent say ecstasy is easy to get hold of, 37 per cent say it easy to get cocaine and 36 per cent speed.
Young people also support the Government's proposal to ban smoking in pubs and restaurants from next January. Some 53 per cent of young people agree with the proposal, 43 per cent disagree and 4 per cent have no opinion. Some 42 per cent of young people aged 15 to 24 smoke, 57 per cent do not, while 1 per cent did not say whether or not they did.