Leaving Cert Students Urged To 'Celebrate Sensibly'

As Leaving Cert students receive their results today they have been urged to celebrate responsibly.

A number of events for Leaving Cert students will be held in pubs and nightclubs around the country, although a percentage of students are still under the legal drinking age.

An appeal for greater vigilance in the sale of alcohol to young people has been launched by drinkaware.ie.

Those selling alcohol have been reminded to check identification and serve only those aged over 18 years.

Drink Aware is an initiative funded by alcohol manufacturers, distributors and trade associations.

Drink Aware says that since 2007 it has become easier for students to gain access to alcohol in Ireland. According to the 2011 European School Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs survey, the perceived availability of alcohol in Ireland among 16-year-olds remains above the European average.

Fionnuala Sheehan, chief executive of drinkaware.ie, said: "The 2011 research points to the need for greater vigilance by both on- and off-trade licensees in Ireland as many Leaving Cert students plan to celebrate their achievement in the next few days.

"Not all Leaving Cert students are of legal drinking age and a significant percentage of Irish 16-year-olds reported purchasing alcohol in both on- and off-trade premises."

(H)