Sir, - Under-age drinking has been a problem for many years resulting in persons of age 22 being treated for alcoholism and needing an after-care programme post drying out.
Only 20-30 per cent of youngsters play games on a regular basis between ages 14 and 16 and very few have hobbies such as stamp- and coin-collecting. There is a major lack of nonpub social activities for this age group.
Funding for small clubs and youth clubs is a major problem as finances are donated to county, national and professional teams. The small clubs and under-age teams receive "pennies" as I have personally experienced.
Funding from the Departments of Sports and Social Welfare is minimal. There is a lack of adults to supervise now and clubs have become "glorified baby-sitters" while parents sit at home watching TV.
Thus there is a need for a change of attitudes by both youngsters and adults, parents and the community at large, if we are to reduce early deaths from cirrhosis of the liver and reduce prison population. - Yours, etc.,
Dr M. Bhamjee, Consultant Psychiatrist, Ennis, Co Clare.