Ireland is experiencing an increase in youth alcohol consumption after a period of decrease.
In a worrying development, a new report by Alcohol Action Ireland (AAI) suggests that drinking among Ireland's younger population has been on the rise over the past decade. The report, published on Thursday, draws on data from national and international sources.
The saturation levels of alcohol marketing to which children are exposed, particularly online, is a significant concern. This unrelenting exposure means that parents who do the right thing are swimming against a tide of more negative influence.
Dr Sheila Gilheany, AAI's chief executive, stated that in recent years a "narrative has emerged that youth drinking is perhaps no longer an issue in Ireland." However, the report paints a different picture.
Despite young people delaying alcohol initiation, once they begin drinking, they consume alcohol at a level above the national average. In 2018, 66% of the cohort was consuming alcohol, which rose to 75% in 2024. Approximately 50,000 children in Ireland start drinking annually.
The report found a negative trend among those aged 15 to 24, with drinking among this cohort declining from the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s but then rising since 2015. This pattern of drinking is considered "high risk" by clinical professor Bobby Smyth.
The report also claims that when drinking is initiated, it is often accompanied by high levels of risky and hazardous consumption. Half of young driver fatalities in Ireland have an alcohol component, underscoring the dangers of this trend.
The rise in misinformation and disinformation on online platforms is another concern in the context of public health. Lives are shaped on a daily basis by commercial factors or practices, such as the aggressive marketing and promotion of unhealthy products, according to Prof Roger O'Sullivan.
This exposure to alcohol advertising and sponsorship is a breach of children's rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The report adds that while young people are delaying alcohol initiation, the overall trend is concerning.
In a positive development, the report notes that the number of parents recognizing the harm in a permissive approach to alcohol consumption among young teenagers is growing. However, some parents still believe providing alcohol to their 15- and 16-year-old children is a good idea.
The report also highlights the rising levels of alcohol-related hospitalizations among young people. As the trend continues, it is crucial to address the issue and promote responsible drinking among the younger generation.
The search results do not provide any information on the identity of a person claiming AAI as a "person of interest" in connection to the death of Daniel Aruebose. The police found a child's skeleton believed to be Daniel Aruebose, but no mention is made of AAI or any related person of interest. This matter is separate from the report's findings on alcohol consumption trends.
Alcohol remains Ireland's largest drug problem for both young people and the wider population. The report serves as a call to action for policymakers, parents, and the public to work together to address this issue and promote a healthier, safer Ireland for all.
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