Volunteers sought to get drunk on TV in the name of science

If you fancy getting drunk on TV, all for the benefit of science, then RTÉ is looking for you.

Drunk is a new two-part science-based television series for RTÉ Two that will explore what happens to us as a nation when we drink.

Presented by Eoghan McDermott, the new show will be broadcast later this year.

In a statement seeking volunteers aged between 18 and 34, RTÉ said the “ground-breaking” new show will put “our commonly-held perceptions and beliefs about alcohol under the microscope”.

It said: “In a controlled environment volunteers will be invited to drink, and possibly get drunk, in front of the cameras.

“While under the influence of alcohol, these volunteers will take on a range of specially-designed tasks and challenges which will help the programme explore, explain and illustrate the effect of drinking on the body and mind,” the statement continued.

The show will attempt to provide answers to a wide range of questions — some serious and some less so. These include: How exactly does alcohol affect us — in the short and the long - term? What does it do to our motor skills? Why do we get hangovers? Do beer goggles really exist? Is it a bad idea to mix your drinks? How does alcohol affect our emotions, our judgment or our sex life?

Ireland has one of the highest death rates from alcohol in the world, as well as the second-highest rate of binge-drinking, according to the World Health Organisation.

Three people are dying every day from alcohol-related ailments in this country, while 2,000 are in hospital at any one time, being treated for the effects of alcohol.

The amount of alcohol consumed has dropped over the past decade, but almost half of all drinkers have admitted to heavy episodes of drinking during the previous month, compared to a figure of 16% globally.

If you are over the age of 18 and are interested in taking part in this programme, check out Facebook, Twitter @DrunkTelevision or apply directly by going to tinyurl.com/q88e54y