Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Dublin South Central Cllr. Catherine Ardagh says more needs to be done to increase awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse among young people.  The candidate, who is also a solicitor, says the recent tragedy in Cork has shone a spotlight on the issue which is also a major issue in Dublin South Central.

Cllr. Ardagh explained, “Drug and alcohol misuse remains one of the biggest dangers to young people in this country.  The recent death in Cork has highlighted the scourge of drug abuse, particularly in teenagers and students.  This case has reignited the debate about the role of education in preventing drug misuse, and I believe we should be incorporating a drug and alcohol misuse awareness programme in our education system.
“The most effective way of reaching young people is in the school setting.  The CSPE curriculum already touches on these issues, but a more targeted approach needs to be adopted.  We need an effective, fact based programme, which engages with young people rather than lecturing them.

“I want to see this initiative properly explored and I would like to see teachers and students work together to formulate a strategy which will be effective without talking down or patronising teenagers.  If we are to properly tackle the problem of drug and alcohol misuse, we need to engage with young people rather than preaching to them”.

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Fianna Fáil Dublin South Central candidate Cllr Ardagh maintains that in Government the party will create a fairer Ireland.

Commenting on the issue Cllr Ardagh said: “after five years of a Fine Gael-Labour Government we have unprecedented levels of homelessness, 1 in 9 children living in consistent poverty and 59% of one parent households experiencing deprivation. In addition to this older people have been subjected to a raft of harsh and punitive cuts, while people with disabilities have been completely let down by this Government.

“This Government talks of a recovery, but the reality is that it is not being felt by a large section of people in Dublin South Central and furthermore it will not be felt if  the Fine Gael-Labour combination is returned or indeed if Sinn Féin are in Government.

“Fine Gael’s agenda first and foremost is to protect the wealthiest to the detriment of everyone else. The emerging two-tier society is not by chance but is as result of the decisions that this Government has taken. Meanwhile if Sinn Féin is in Government their policies will have disastrous consequences for job creation in Ireland.

“Fianna Fáil is the only party that can deliver a fairer Ireland. We will create the conditions to attract good quality sustainable jobs to Ireland, assist entrepreneurs and the self employed, expand and diversify apprenticeships and bring about a recovery that will be felt by all sections of society. We will raise the State Pension by €30; restore the One Parent Family Payment to when the youngest child is twelve; introduce a child care tax subsidy to help parents with the cost of childcare and improve income adequacy for people with disabilities, whilst also ensuring that children in receipt of the Domiciliary Care Allowance are entitled to a medical card.

“This election is a choice and Fianna Fáil is putting forward a platform that will create a fairer, more equal Ireland. We are committed to delivering an Ireland for all and it is our goal that this objective is realised.”

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