Odyssey Hits Back As McGimpsey Slates Behaviour

One of Belfast's premier entertainment locations was highlighted today as the NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey went 'on the town' to experience first hand the problems that land at the doorstep of the city's emergency and frontline healthcare staff.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster this morning he slated the prestigious, multi-million pound Odyssey complex after witnessed some of the alcohol-fuelled behaviour taking place among young revellers.

However, management at the complex have roundly defended their procedures, underlining that thousands of young people were at the Lagan-side centre last night, yet no incidents took place.

While Minister McGimpsey explained that he was already in discussion with the drinks' trade in general about a method of limiting access to alcohol, and said that he had been shocked by some of the conduct witnessed - the Odyssey's Manager, Bobby Nicholson put some context on the coverage.

Mr Nicholson said: "Last night was a special university 'Freshers' event, attracting between 3,500 and 4,000 youngsters.

"The Odyssey is closely monitored inside and out by both our security staff and through formalised liaison with both the PSNI and the Harbour Police and despite there being so many people there, not one incident of trouble occurred.

"The Odyssey is a safer environment than any similar city in Great Britain," he claimed, explaining the context of the Health Minister's visit.

"Mr McGimpsey arrived at about 2.15am as the Odyssey was emptying, which meant large numbers of young people outside.

"However, there was no trouble at all and the security staff and police were able to safely monitor the situation.

"The real problem - and I'm in ongoing discussions with local taxi firms on this - is that Belfast has no proper transport infrastructure to allow safe, low cost transport home on such occasions.

"The taxi companies work hard, and do their best, but clearly, it is going to take some time for thousands of people to disperse - which is what the Minister saw," he explained.

The Minister was accompanying members of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service as they responded to emergency calls.

The Minister said: "Tonight I have seen the pressures they face on the ground. Sadly, a significant amount of their work is as a result of the abuse of alcohol, from the harmful side-effects of excessive consumption, to the anti-social behaviour which can lead to violent attacks.

"I was deeply impressed by their professionalism and levels of care and grateful of the opportunity to talk to them about their experiences and how things could be improved."

The Minister travelled in a Rapid Response Vehicle (RRVs) driven by paramedic and RRV Manager, John Wright and was taken to some of the city's notorious 'hotspots' for anti-social behaviour.

He said: "While the focus of tonight was on seeing how emergency and healthcare staff carry out their work, my experience tonight has reinforced my view that people in Northern Ireland have a very unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

"Alcohol misuse is not only significantly damaging to our mental and physical health but is also having a major impact on our entire health service.

"I was particularly shocked by the levels of binge drinking by young people who are not only storing up a life-time of health problems but often putting their personal safety at risk.

"My department will continue to clamp down on alcohol misuse through the 'New Strategic Direction on Alcohol and Drugs', through my discussions with the drinks industry, with the PSNI and government as a whole.

(BMcC)