A chara, – The latest data from the Health Research Board (HRB) outlines the increase in alcohol consumption, with the number of people treated for “problem alcohol use” rising by 8 per cent in 2022 ( News, August 1st). Meanwhile the Minister for Justice said, in February 2021, while bringing to Cabinet measures including “longer Sunday trading hours, allowing the sale of alcohol at venues which would not normally serve drink, and late-night extension of opening time for clubs”, that Ireland must have “a vibrant and safe night-time economy”? Those dealing with the results of alcohol abuse or misuse pleaded at the time for a rethink. The latest figures show only how “vibrant” our misuse of alcohol continues to be. – Is mise,
PETER DECLAN O’HALLORAN,
Belturbet,
Co Cavan.