Madam, - The announcement by the Minister for Justice of his intention to seriously tackle the problem of binge drinking is welcome.
However, given the impact of this problem on young people it is extraordinary - and indeed disgraceful - that the advisory group appointed by the Minister contains not a single representative voice of young people or those who work with them. Irish society has been enriched by the likes of the scout and guide movements, Youth Work Ireland, the National Youth Council of Ireland, etc.
These true heroes of modern Ireland could have brought their "on-the-ground" experience and knowledge to the committee if the Minister had only the wit to ask.
It is long past time that we stopped talking about young people and started talking with them.
- Yours, etc,
Cllr DERMOT LACEY, Beech Hill Drive, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.