Stabbings on the streets of country towns, public brawls in seaside resorts and members of the Garda Síochána threatened and assaulted. It is shock/horror territory. But these incidents are taking place on a regular basis. They are fuelled by an excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs, mainly by young people. And we may witness more of the same lawless behaviour this bank holiday weekend. Such conduct cannot be tolerated.
This society has a serious problem with alcohol abuse. Research has shown that it involves much more than under-age drinking. Binge-drinking, or the consumption of six or more drinks on a single occasion, has become the norm among Irish men and women. The results are there for all to see in terms of broken families, ill-health, road deaths, drownings and criminality. And the malign influence of illegal drugs feeds into that dangerous mix.
Prosecutions and an intensive crack-down on anti-social activity and drunk-driving is absolutely necessary if this pattern of behaviour is to be neutralised. Four years ago, the Government introduced tough laws to penalise those publicans who sold drink to inebriated customers and to counteract late-night public order offences by drunken louts. There was an immediate improvement in the situation. But, since then, slippage has taken place.
Enforcement is the key to compliance. Unless a visible Garda presence is maintained at all times in such situations, vintners and members of the public lose their fear of being apprehended and penalised. It is the same with road traffic offences. It was only when the use of speed cameras and on-the-spot breathalyser checks became established practice through regular policing that the number of road deaths began to fall.
We do not have a sufficient number of gardaí functioning in an operational capacity to carry out the wide variety of tasks entrusted to them. And there is frequently a "band aid" effect as members are deployed in response to specific urgent demands. Extra gardaí are indeed being trained. And an expanded police reserve would help the situation. But compliance with the law is ultimately a matter for ourselves.
Alcohol can be a killer. Make this bank holiday weekend a tragedy-free one by abstaining from alcohol or drugs if you intend to drive, swim or control a pleasure craft. Even one drink can impair your judgment. There is no such thing as being too careful. On the water, wear a life jacket. On the roads, take special care. So far this year, nearly 50 pedestrians have been killed in road crashes. Many of them were drunk at the time. Moderation in all things is the key to enjoyment.