Madam, - John Waters's superb analysis of the Irish society's abuse of alcohol and his pinpointing of the serious cultural deficiency which lies at the root of that abuse (November 6th) deserves to be shouted from the rooftops. However, while I believe he is correct in his belief that the deficiency is education in the deepest sense, I must take issue with his contention that restrictions on opening hours, higher taxes or random breath testing do nothing to address the deeper problem.
In its most recent report on the health-related consequences of problem alcohol use, the Health Research Board could not be more blunt: alcohol is a dangerous drug that is responsible for more harm than other psycho-active substances, and Ireland has one of the highest levels of alcohol consumption in Europe.
The HRB concludes that international evidence supports alcohol taxation, regulation of the physical availability of alcohol and drink driving countermeasures as effective strategies for reducing alcohol consumption.
It goes without saying that the deeply rooted problem of alcohol abuse in Irish society will not be solved overnight. It will take years of effort to tackle the problem effectively. Philosophical reflection on why we consume alcohol in such enormous quantities and in so destructive a manner will be a necessary part of that effort. But in the meantime, medical practitioners like myself, in common with other health professionals, social and community workers, gardaí, teachers, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives and children of those whose lives are blighted by alcohol abuse must contend with the reality of that abuse every day.
Of course, the Irish drinks industry will not countenance any action that threatens its profits and is only too delighted to engage in an endless discussion of what should and should not be done. But we have the facts; we know what needs to be done. All we need is courage and a sense of purpose from those who can and must act to ensure that the lives of countless thousands of our citizens of all ages are not blighted by alcohol abuse in the years ahead. - Yours, etc,
Dr MICHAEL LOFTUS, Crossmolina, Co Mayo.