Madam, - The director of Meas ("Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society") chose to attack Dr Joe Barry for his article (July 19th), "Our drinks industry is in no position to self-regulate", in her letter (July 22nd).
I thought his article was excellent.
I just want to make sure the public is aware that Meas was set up and is directly funded by the drinks industry.
Who would you trust in these matters, a public health specialist or an organisation with the backing of a multi-million euro industry?
A lady caller to the Joe Duffy show at the time of the controversy about a Meas leaflet referred to it as a case of "The fox looking after the chickens" (!).
I remain very sceptical about their motives and intentions.
As Dr Loftus wrote (Letter, May 28th) "voluntary codes have not worked", and even since Meas was formed we have had more highly irresponsible alcohol advertisements.
With regard to "responsible drinking advertisements" by the industry, many of them are simply advertising of their products in a different form, in my opinion.
Such counter-advertising should be left to the independent professionals at the Health Promotion Unit.
How I wish the Department of Health and Children had the financial resources at the disposal of Meas and/or the marketing budget of the drinks industry so that we could continue to make some serious inroads into our national alcohol problem.
I think the time has come for the Government to consider seriously a direct health tax on the profits of the industry to provide resources to reduce the harm caused by their products.- Yours, etc.,
ROLANDE J. ANDERSON, Project Director, "Helping Patients with Alcohol Problems", The Irish College of General Practitioners, Lincoln Place, Dublin 2.
Madam, - Dr Joe Barry has stated in an opinion piece (July 19th) that MEAS's own website tells us that the representative from National Parents' Council - Primary is "a hotel owner and manager, well placed to see alcohol-related problems from the perspective of those who are running bars."
And he adds: "Doesn't sound independent to me."
The representative referred to, as can be seen on the website, is Anita McCann, chairperson of NPC.
Anita McCann has served for many years as an elected parent representative at local school, county branch and national level of the organisation.
She has represented parents on many Department of Education and Science Committees and has attended innumerable meetings on behalf of parents.
A mother of nine children, Anita has always had concerns about the problem of under-age drinking.
She is also in a position to bring valuable practical experience from her job as well as insights from her voluntary work at local level on anti-drugs and alcohol initiatives.
As chairperson of a representative organisation, she also has the advantage of having gathered the views and opinions of parents from around the country.
I would like to assure parents that the interests of parents and children will be well served by our chairperson and by the National Parents' Council- Primary. - Yours, etc.
FIONNUALA KILFEATHER, Chief Executive, National Parents' Council - Primary, Marlborough Court, Dublin 1.