McGimpsey to tackle underage and binge drinking

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey MLA has announced that he will take forward an action plan to address young people’s drinking in Northern Ireland.

The Minister has asked his Departmental officials to develop an action plan, as a matter of urgency, that will tackle the problems of young people’s drinking, and reduce the related harms.

Speaking following a question in the Assembly, today in relation to binge drinking, the Minister stated that: “This is not an area which my Department can effectively tackle by itself. We need an integrated, co-ordinated and holistic approach, working with colleagues across Government in Northern Ireland and across the UK, but also with colleagues and interested parties in other sectors, particularly and vitally at local level.

“As we develop this action plan, therefore, my Department and I will meet with a wide range of key stakeholders to ensure everyone is playing their part.”

This process will include:

• a Ministerial meeting with the Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, in late May/Early June to discuss the Liquor Licensing Review;
• a meeting with the Police Service of Northern Ireland to discuss what action can be taken to address the issue – particularly in the summer months; and
• a meeting with the alcohol and drinks industry, including producers and retailers, to encourage them to fully play their part.

The Minister continued: “Since my appointment as Health Minister, I have become increasingly concerned about the high level of alcohol consumption in our society. Sadly, we have a culture where binge drinking is increasingly being thought of as ‘normal’. What is particularly worrying is the impact this culture is having on our children and young people.

“Alcohol is a very damaging drug. Excessive consumption clearly impacts on our physical and mental health. Our young people are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of alcohol. Worryingly, the risk of suicide increases in those that misuse or are dependent on alcohol. It has also been cited as a major factor in domestic violence, unemployment and anti-social behaviour.”

The Minister finished by adding: “Addressing this issue will not be easy; we need to change Northern Ireland’s drinking culture and that can take time. But by all key stakeholders working in partnership with our communities to look at enforcement and access to alcohol, improving knowledge and awareness, and providing treatment and support services for those who require additional help – we can begin to effectively address the issue.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs (NSD), which was launched in 2006, identified addressing underage and binge drinking as key priorities. In relation to alcohol misuse, the approximate costs to Northern Ireland of excess alcohol consumption have been estimated at approximately £770 million per annum. Under the NSD the Department of Health is now developing a cross-sectoral, multi-agency action plan to address young people’s drinking.

2. Binge drinking, (i.e. adult males drinking five drinks or more and adult females drinking four drinks or more in a single session) is a particular feature of Northern Ireland’s drinking culture. Around 43% of men and 33% of women who drink, engage in at least one binge session per week.

3. Consequences of binge drinking can include:

• damage to brain cells;
• alcohol poisoning;
• a UK study in 2007 found that binge drinking in adolescence was associated with increased risk of health, social, educational and economic adversity continuing into later adult life;
• increased risk of high blood pressure, strokes, heart disease, some types of cancer, skeletal muscle damage,
• increased risk of violence, accidents and anti-social behaviour;
• increased risk taking behaviour, such as unsafe/unwanted sexual activity

4. For more information contact Jenny Magill, DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520575 or mobile on 07833668748. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager Number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.