Harmful drinking ‘is norm in Irish society’

More than half of Irish drinkers — almost 1.4m people — consume alcohol in a "harmful" manner, yet 98% believe they are "light or moderate drinkers".

Public health experts said harmful drinking was the “norm” in Irish society and that people were in “denial” about their drinking.

Even though the vast majority of people describe themselves as moderate or occasional consumers, 30% admit they have experienced harmful events from their own drinking or that of others.