Madam, - As a nurse working in one of Dublin's major hospitals, it is common to see young people arriving in A&E units, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, as a result of drinking or alcohol-related harm.
Although the Tánaiste is right to say the "issues are far wider than simply banning the advertisement of alcohol" (Dáil report, October 12th), perhaps she should review the report and recommendations of the National Strategic Task Force on Alcohol (2004) with regards to alcohol advertising and its effect on social norms.
The task force reported that repeated high-level alcohol promotion inculcates pro-drinking attitudes in young people, thereby increasing the likelihood of heavier drinking, and that it portrays drinking as fun, glamorous and risk-free. This report is not a matter of conjecture but supported by research evidence.
It is high time that drinks producers were be held accountable for their ethical responsibilities towards Irish society. Instead of helping the Government to tackle the problem, they have substantially increased the amount they spent on alcohol advertising each year. - Yours, etc,
JULIE ANN HERVAS, Percy Lane, Dublin 4.