Drinks industry a negative influence on suicide, claims report
The massive influence of the drinks industry on the Government is directly linked to dozens of suicides, an official report claimed today.
The Health Research Board (HRC) study insists the implementation of the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol recommendations would save many lives every year.
Dr Dermot Walsh, the report’s author, said there was a political lack of will to act on the task force’s 2004 findings because of the clout publicans hold over the Government.
He said evidence showed alcohol played a direct role in a significant number of suicides, particularly among young men, and if stricter controls were brought in it would prevent deaths.
“Let us say there about 130 male suicides every year within that young age group,” he said.
“If we assume that alcohol plays a defining role in 20%, then we would expect that 26 suicides wouldn’t take place [with more rigid alcohol controls].”
Dr Walsh said the main areas within the Strategic Task Force’s report from four years ago that still need to be implemented centre on availability, publicity and pricing of alcohol.
The HRC academic alleged self-interest among elected representatives was standing in the way of the necessary change.
“The influence of the drinks industry, which is very potent and very strong here politically, I think that has a lot to do with it,” he said.
“The sale of alcohol, the ownership of public houses, hotels and so on has been very well represented by our public representatives who have, of course, a vested interest.”
Dr Walsh dismissed initiatives by the drinks industry, such as the Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society (Meas) group, to promote sensible drinking.
“The fundamental issue is that the extent of alcohol related problems in any community is, not surprisingly, directly related to the level of alcohol consumption,” he said.
“And here we have a stark clash between what is in the public health interest and what is in the [drinks] industry’s interest and there can really be no reconciliation between the two.
“So any attempt to talk about responsible drinking is really rather meaningless overall unless you reduce the levels of consumption.”
The HRC is a Government-appointed board set up to drive research into improving public health.
