Sir, – Many of the measures announced recently regarding the misuse of alcohol are to be welcomed. However, the support for some of the alcohol consumption claims by the Department of Health appear to be exaggerated. The quoted consumption of 11.63 litres of alcohol per year for “everyone over the age of 15” appears to mistakenly include the consumption by some three million or so foreign tourists that visit the State’s hostelries and consume beers, spirits and wines during their stay. It also mistakenly includes the considerable duty-paid spirits, wines and beers that are exported from our airports and ferrie .
So it appears to be somewhat of an exaggeration to suggest that the average Irish adult consumes “roughly” a bottle of vodka per week.
This is not to undermine the issue of alcohol misuse and the good intentions of the Department of Health. But everything in moderation. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK RIGNEY,
Chairperson,
The Dalcassian Wines and
Spirits Company Ltd,
Beacon Court,
Sandyford Ind Est,
Dublin 18.