An ISPCC survey on the needs of children in the Arklow area, published yesterday, has found that over half (55.8 per cent) of those between eight and 18 have taken alcohol and just under 20 per cent have used drugs. The main reasons cited by children for the use of alcohol and drugs were to experiment, because their friends were doing it and "for the buzz".
The report was introduced at the opening of the ISPCC's new STEPS facility in Arklow yesterday. The centre was officially opened by the local Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State for Public Enterprise, Mr Joe Jacob.
STEPS is a youth advice and counselling service which is now established in 18 counties in the State.
Mr Jacob said the findings were of "major concern" to anybody interested in the welfare of children. He stressed the Government's commitment to implementing a wide range of initiatives to raise awareness among young people of the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
The chief executive of the ISPCC, Mr Cian O Tighearnaigh, said voluntary childcare staff performed a vital role, not only for the children they helped and the organisations they worked for, but also for the State, who would otherwise have to provide the necessary services themselves.