Psychiatrists call for ban on alcohol advertising

The country's psychiatrists are calling on the Government to ban alcohol advertising.

The Irish College of Psychiatrists say alcohol consumption here has risen by 40% over the past 15 years and results in 1,500 deaths annually.

The group cites an international study which shows that Irish 15 to 16-year-olds demonstrate the highest levels of drunkenness in Europe, while 16 to 17-year-olds spend a total €145m on alcohol each year.

The psychiatrists say despite these facts nothing is being done to tackle the problem.