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NOBODY NEEDS to be told that Ireland has a serious drink problem. It is reflected in the high incidence of road deaths and injuries; in an elevated level of mental illness and depression; in binge drinking; in absenteeism from work and in full-blown alcohol addiction. But we are in denial when it comes to personal consumption and the effects our behaviour may have on young people.

A survey by the Health Service Executive (HSE), designed to counteract teenage drinking, shows just how far down this self-destructive road we have gone. Fewer than one-in-three of the adults questioned said they would be willing to consume less, if they thought it might discourage young people from drinking. Only one-in-five acknowledged their drinking habits influenced young people. And 55 per cent maintained nothing could be done to stop young people from drinking.