A nationwide network of youth cafes should be set up to divert teenagers away from alcohol, drugs and anti-social behaviour, Young Fine Gael will claim today.
The youth wing of the party will debate the issue at its General Election Conference in Dublin this weekend.
A motion will be debated calling for a nationwide system of youth cafes as a focal point for teenage activities. Delegates will also call for laptops to be supplied to every post-primary student and make science a core subject in the Junior Cert.
YFG president Elizabeth Munnelly said: "The issue of moving the focus of Irish social life away from alcohol and towards alternatives is one which generates many discussions throughout the length and breadth of this country.
"Young Fine Gael plans on playing its part in what has effectively become a national conversation on tackling the issue of an over-reliance on alcohol in society.
"It's time for Irish society to stop ignoring this issue. It is time to generate tangible and meaningful solutions and alternatives," Ms Munnelly stated.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny will address the conference at Jury's Hotel and front bench spokespersons will chair workshops. YFG will also hold a 30th anniversary dinner with its founder, former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald as the guest of honour.
PA