§ Lord Bleaseasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in respect to alcoholism and alcohol-related diseases in Northern Ireland, they will indicate; (i) what medical research is at present being undertaken in the Province, and (ii) what research and/or study projects concerning (a) social and (b) behavioural problems are currently being promoted.
The Earl of GowrieA pilot scheme involving the operation of three Alcohol Advice Centres has been established by Northlands Centre, Londonderry in co-operation with the Western Health and Social Services Board and the New University of Ulster to assist people who are experiencing alcohol-related problems. The advice centres are located in health centres from which referrals are received, and are staffed by voluntary counsellors trained by the Northlands Centre. The scheme is being monitored and evaluated over a two-year period by the New University of Ulster with a grant from the Department of Health and Social Services. The monitoring group includes medical representation.
The Social Research Division of the Policy Planning and Research Unit, Department of Finance and Personnel, has carried out a survey commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Services to 497WA identify patterns of alcohol consumption and measure the amounts consumed within the general population. The survey ran concurrently with one in England and Wales and the publication of its findings is imminent. The Department of Education supports and encourages a schools health education project, one aspect of which relates to the problems of alcohol.