Sir, - Further to the comments by Dr Michael Loftus reported in your newspaper of March 12th, I would point out that since 1985, the Irish Countrywomen's Association has had ongoing communication with the Department of Justice regarding abuse of alcohol. We have met with present and past Ministers for Justice, expressing concern on the non enforcement of the law relating to underage drinking and asking them not to grant exemptions for late drinking at social functions.
In 1992, with the support of the European Commission and in conjunction with COFACE (Confederation of Family Organisations in Europe), we held a seminar on families and alcohol in Dublin which was opened by President Mary Robinson. This three day seminar involved very serious discussion.
Recently, we made a submission to the National Alcohol Policy which was published in 1996. So I can assure Dr Loftus that, as the largest women's organisation representing both rural and urban opinion, the abuse of alcohol is an issue very much to the fore and we take great exception to his uninformed article. - Yours, etc.,
National president,
Irish Countrywomen's
Association,
Merrion Road,
Dublin 4.