Alcohol Action Ireland
Invitation
The wonderful work of Alcohol Action Ireland is something that I have admired since it was established in 2003. Their endless campaigning and research has helped increase awareness and reduce the negative impact that harmful alcohol consumption has on this country. That is why I am delighted to announce my nomination to join the board of directors, which I have gladly accepted.
Recovery Advocate
What I will bring to the role is lived experience as a recovery advocate. Being in long term recovery from alcohol dependence myself has brought me to understand some core issues from the inside. I will use my academic qualifications, international network and workplace management experience to help AAI deliver its strategic plan and continue to change the culture and attitudes towards harmful, hazardous and dependent alcohol consumption.
Quotes from the Chair and CEO
I am delighted to welcome Paddy to the Board of Alcohol Action Ireland. He brings a wealth of energy and knowledge of many of the issues around alcohol in Ireland. His expertise will be invaluable and will complement well the skills of the current Board as we face the challenges of addressing the harms from alcohol which range from the introduction of at least 50,000 children to alcohol every year to the devastation brought to families of at least 1540 deaths annually – 4 per day in Ireland.
(Prof Frank Murray, Chair, AAI)
We are very fortunate to have Paddy on the Board of AAI. He joins us at a time when the pandemic has brought to the fore multiple public health issues including the need for widely available, trauma informed services both for alcohol treatment as well as for those impacted by alcohol harm to others, such as the 200,000 children living with parental problem alcohol use. These problems are not insurmountable. We have access to the well evidenced solutions and look forward to working with Paddy to advocate for their implementation.
(Dr Sheila Gilheany, CEO, AAI)
Annual Review
AAI have now published their annual review for 2021, which highlights progress across all five of their strategic goals:
- Coherent & urgent implementation of the Public Health Alcohol Act
- A childhood free from alcohol harm
- Services for all affected by alcohol harm
- Establishment of a statutory office to lead on alcohol policy
- Be the authority on alcohol advocacy and policy in Ireland
Download your pdf copy here: AAI Annual Review 2021.
