Shine welcomes proposals to lower blood alcohol levels
Press Release 29 October 2009
Shine the national organisation supporting people affected by mental ill health, welcomes the announcement by the Government to introduce legislation reducing the legal blood alcohol limits for all drivers in Ireland.
As a national mental health organisation, Shine welcomes any action aimed at reducing the overall use of alcohol. Research nationally and internationally has shown that alcohol misuse can adversely affect many people who have mental health difficulties. It has also been established that alcohol is implicated in many cases of attempted and completed suicides.
John Saunders, Director of Shine said " It is no longer acceptable that people should drive with any level of alcohol in their blood. The argument that reducing legal levels of blood alcohol will increase rural isolation is not a valid one. Solutions to social isolation are not found in aiding people to gain access to alcohol, but rather in the ability of the community to support them. Community and voluntary organisations need to be supported to allow them to generate strong community structures, which will allow people to feel part of community. This is a much broader issue than accessing public houses".
The issue of drinking and driving is very pertinent to the younger population of Ireland. The incidence of self-harming and suicide risks are highest among 15 - 24 year olds. Similar research shows that alcohol plays a significant factor in the lives of these young people.
In the context of creating healthier environments for young people and healthier communities, it is imperative that we tackle the issue of drink driving and progress as quickly as possible towards a zero legal blood alcohol level.
For further information, please contact:
John Saunders, Director, Shine - Supporting People Affected by Mental Ill Health
Mobile: 0879271292; Tel: 01 860 1620
Information Helpline: 1890 621 631
Website: www.shineonline.ie
Shine is the national organisation dedicated to upholding the rights and addressing the needs of all those affected by enduring mental illness including, but not exclusively, schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder and bi-polar disorder, through the promotion and provision of high-quality services and working to ensure the continual enhancement of the quality of life of the people it serves.