‘Nothing romantic about our drinking culture’ – Brady
Newry & Armagh MP Mickey Brady has said that the harsh reality is that there is ‘nothing romantic’ about our drinking culture and that it was in fact ‘killing far too many’.
The MP was commenting after congratulating Cuan Mhuire Addiction Regional Support Centre Newry on their short listing for a prestigious CHKS Quality Improvement Award, the finals which take place this evening in London.
Speaking to Newry Times, Brady said, “In Ireland every 7 hours one person dies from an alcohol related illness. Cuan Mhuire is Ireland’s largest voluntary provider of Rehabilitation Treatment for individuals suffering from addiction and other related issues.
“Being short listed for this award is well deserved recognition for the life saving and changing services provided, the professionalism of the staff and volunteers involved.”
On the broader issue of the damage that alcohol abuse and misuse is causing to society he said, “The World Health Organisation is pretty unequivocal; alcohol is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the developed world.
“Alcohol misuse is one of the biggest public health issues facing Ireland and its impact cannot be underestimated. Research has shown that it costs £900m every year here in the north and almost £250m of these costs are borne by the health and social care sector.
“More than 1,300 lives are claimed by booze each year across this island as a direct result of alcohol consumption,” he added.
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