Report: Alcohol plays part in half of suicides

Alcohol was responsible for 88 deaths a month in 2008 and played a role in half of all suicides and cases of deliberate self-harm, according to a government body.

The National Substance Misuse Strategy Steering Group has released a set of recommendations on how to reduce the alcohol intake in Ireland.

The group was charged by the Government with identifying ways of tackling the harm caused by alcohol in Ireland.

Its recommendations include increasing the price of alcohol, including minimum pricing, and curbing the advertising of alcohol products before 9pm.

Doctor Tony Holohan is Chief Medical Officer and Chairman of the group has said the level of drinking in Ireland is "simply unacceptable".