Irish Bishops Drug and Alcohol Initiative launches alcohol DVD for secondary schools Thursday 15 November 12.30pm – newsdesk diary notice

15 Nov 2007

PRESS RELEASE

15th November 2007

The Irish Bishops’ Drug and Alcohol Initiative invites you or a representative to the launch of a new DVD for secondary schools:

Find the Balance: Dare to Dream

Venue:
Tallaght Community School, Balrothery Estate, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Date:
Thursday 15 November 2007 at 12.30pm
In attendance:
Cardinal-elect Archbishop Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin, Bishop Éamonn Walsh, Vice-Chairman of the Irish Bishops’ Drug and Alcohol Initiative
Background:
At the media launch of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference Lenten pastoral letter Alcohol: The Challenge of Moderation, Bishop Éamonn Walsh, Vice-Chairman of the Irish Bishops’ Drug and Alcohol Initiative, gave a commitment to developing a DVD for schools based on its theme. This DVD is aimed at senior cycle secondary school pupils and has been sent to schools throughout the country, North and South.

The DVD, and accompanying notes for teachers, explores the concept and relevance of balance and moderation in the choices that we make everyday, with specific reference to alcohol consumption. Five true-life stories are presented in the DVD alongside commentary from young people, with a view to encouraging debate and helping to foster a culture of moderation amongst young people.

Notes for Editors

  • Students from Tallaght Community School will be available for interview at the event, as will the DVD participants. Copies of the DVD will also be available to media.
  • For Lent 2007, the Bishops’ Conference published a pastoral letter throughout the 26 dioceses of Ireland entitled Alcohol: The Challenge of Moderation. This pastoral letter, which inspired the DVD, is now available on www.catholiccommunications.ie in English, Irish and Polish. Its purpose was to help initiate a societal debate concerning our use of, and attitude towards, alcohol.
  • The making of this DVD, which was produced by Kairos on behalf of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, was kindly supported by the Radharc Trust.

Further information:
Martin Long Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
Kathy Tynan Communications Officer (086 817 5674)