587,000 children 'at risk' due to parents' drinking

More than 500,000 children are at risk in Ireland because of their parents' hazardous drinking, research from the Alcohol Forum reveals.

The findings also show that of the 587,000 children affected, more than 50% were under the age of 15.

In the National Drinking Survey of 2010, one in 10 adults reported their children experienced verbal or physical abuse or witnessed violence and were left in unsafe conditions because of their drinking.

Dr Ann Hope, who carried out the research, said the definition of hazardous drinking might surprise many people.

"Hazardous drinking is defined as drinking four or more pints of beer at a session. 'Regular' means at least once a month, according to the EU and WHO," she said.

Dr Hope added that "hazardous drinking" affects people in all walks of life.