Alcohol group warning on exam results

A body set up by the alcohol industry has urged parents to monitor their teenagers this week as they prepare to collect their…

A body set up by the alcohol industry has urged parents to monitor their teenagers this week as they prepare to collect their Junior Certificate results on Wednesday.

Meas (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society) appealed to parents to discuss celebration plans with their children.

Meas chief executive Fionnuala Sheehan said parents have a critical role to play in discussing the use and misuse of alcohol with their teenage children.

"Parents are often unsure how to approach the subject of alcohol use with their teenage children and can also be reluctant to discuss the issue with other parents," she said.

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She pointed out that it is illegal to sell alcohol to under 18s and asked those licensed to sell alcohol to be "particularly vigilant" after the exam results are published and to check identification carefully.

"There is plenty of help and advice written by parents and health professionals available on drinkaware.ie, including a range of tips specifically for parents of Junior Cert students as well as useful publications for downloading."

Over 57,000 students will receive their Junior Cert results this week.