518 Mr. G. Brady asked the Minister for Health if he will outline (1) the approximate number suffering from alcoholism in the State and (2) the percentage of these who are under the age of 25.

In line with Government policy, as outlined in the report of the study group on the development of the psychiatric services — Planning for the Future, comprehensive community based psychiatric services are being put in place at local level. People suffering from alcoholism are treated on an out-patient basis in the community and are supported by both statutory and voluntary agencies. Comprehensive data on the numbers so treated are not available.

Persons suffering from alcohol abuse and alcoholic psychoses are also admitted to psychiatric hospitals. In 1988, the latest year for which details are available from the Health Research Board there were 6,478 persons admitted with such diagnosis, 2,239 of whom were first admissions, 303 (5 per cent) of total admissions were under 25 years. In addition, the hospital in-patient inquiry scheme records show that 176 persons were admitted to acute hospitals suffering from alcohol poisoning in 1989, the latest year for which figures are available.