Survey highlights huge level of underage drinking

Around 84% of Irish youngsters begin drinking before the legal age limit of 18, according to an opinion poll published this morning.

The poll found that the average age at which young Irish people took their first drink was 15 and a half.

Some 80% of respondents between the ages of 15 and 24 also said they were drinkers, with just 20% saying they did not touch alcohol.

The survey also found that 39% of young Irish people have taken illegal drugs, with 14% of respondents saying they used them regularly.

Almost half of those questioned said they had tried cannabis by the age of 24, 12% had tried ecstasy, 10% speed, 9% cocaine and 3% heroin.

1,000 people were questioned as part of the study.