Sir, - The recent tragic deaths of two young people in Dublin have rightly received a lot of media attention, yet the main issue seems to be glossed over in most reports. The most significant aspect and common denominator in almost all such incidents is alcohol.
This needs to be highlighted again and again and steps need to be taken to ensure that our young people are educated about the dangers of alcohol misuse. Every night, in every part of Ireland, violent drunken acts are perpetrated which lead to emotional, physical and psychological scarring. It is miraculous that there are not more tragic deaths. No doubt other factors are involved as well, but ask any garda or any casualty officer and you will be told alcohol problems are the root cause.
Drinking to get drunk is at the core of the problem and apart from violence, alcohol misuse causes accidents, para-suicide, suicide, health problems, depression, guilt, shame, absenteeism, etc. The list is endless.
The national conspiracy of silence around our use and abuse of alcohol is deafening. At the Irish College of General Practitioners, as part of a three-year project, we are focusing on young people and alcohol. We hope to make a contribution to this area but much more needs to be done at a national level. The introduction of identity cards and the changes in the licensing laws are welcome, but much more is required from all concerned - teachers, health professionals, the drinks industry, youth workers and all the relevant Government Departments - if the problem is to be tackled effectively. - Yours, etc.,
Rolande J. Anderson, Post-Graduate Resource Centre, Irish College of General Practitioners, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2.