On the publication of Northern Ireland’s Preventing Harm, Empowering Recovery – Substance Use Strategy
Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group – the alcohol social responsibility body and marketing regulator said:
“The Portman Group welcomes the new Strategic Framework as an important step in tackling the harm from alcohol misuse and drug use in Northern Ireland. We echo the Department of Health in highlighting positive downward trends marked by declining binge and underage drinking across Northern Ireland. We also recognise that there is much more work to be done and welcome the Framework’s proposals on those drinking at the most harmful rates in an effort to improve treatment and tackle the underlying issues highlighted by Minister Swann such as mental health, deprivation and homelessness.
“The industry has a longstanding commitment to responsibility. We continue to work in partnership with Governments and would seek to do so further with the Northern Irish Executive to help achieve the common goal of reducing alcohol misuse.”