Speaking at the launch of the No Name Club in Islandeady, Castlebar, Fine Gael spokesman on Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Michael Ring indicated that the new National Drugs Strategy should incorporate alcohol.
He said the drug problem in Ireland is getting worse every year and the incidence of alcohol abuse is growing, including among teenagers, yet the Government is failing to introduce proper prevention methods and rehabilitation facilities.
“There is clear evidence that alcohol is a gateway drug and often the beginning of harder drug use. Fine Gael believes the new National Drugs Strategy needs to include alcohol in order to tackle the issue, particularly to prevent young people engaging in drug use,” he said.
“Early intervention is needed to curb drug use among teenagers, and stronger drugs awareness programmes should be developed in our schools. A recent study shows that Ireland has a very high number of young heroin users, with 14 the average age for first using this drug.
“Fine Gael is producing a drugs policy which will focus on the need for stronger educational programmes aimed at keeping young people in school and preventing drug use from the very start, as well as facilities and programmes in the community which will help prevent drug use from an early age. We cannot tackle substance abuse problems in isolation – a co-ordinated approach, as we are suggesting, makes sense.”
Deputy Ring said organisations like the No Name Club are key for local communities in providing an outlet for young people to socialise and engage in confidence-building activities that are completely detached from drug and alcohol culture – particularly in rural areas where young people don’t have the same access to facilities that they would in urban areas.
“I would like to compliment the organising committee of the No Name Club in Islandeady, particularly Mr Liam Keaveney, Chairman. Liam is a credit to his family and his community, as are all the young people who were there on the night. They are a fine example of the youth of the county. I wish them well in their No Name Club. I hope everything goes well for them,” concluded Dep Ring.
