Madam, - There can be only a few who would not agree, or honestly admit, that alcohol has a devastating effect on family life in Ireland. I speak as one so affected.
Untreated alcoholism wreaks havoc in our homes, on our roads, on our health care system and sadly in the lives of blameless, countless children.
As parents and community leaders we have an obligation to teach our children about the very real dangers and consequences of the abuse of alcohol. The secrets and shame associated with the disease of alcoholism must be confronted if we are to break the cycle for generations to come.
If children as young as 14 are dying from alcohol abuse then the education must, in my opinion, begin with children as young as seven years old.
This is a family disease and it will continue to destroy lives and undermine society if we do not take responsibility now. - Yours, etc.,
FIONA WHELAN PRINE, Kinvara, Co Galway.