Binge drinking - Government must take on drinks sector

IRELAND’S unenviable reputation for binge drinking is underlined by new statistics showing the country’s female university students are among the worst binge drinkers in the world.

Medically, women who consume more than four drinks at a sitting or men who drink more than five are seen as heavy drinkers.

To its collective shame, Ireland now boasts the highest number of women binge drinkers (57%), followed by the Netherlands (34%) and England (33%). Similarly, we have the highest number of male binge drinkers at 49%, while Belgium has 48% and Poland 47%.

These alarming findings underline the need for Government to prove it has the political stomach to tackle Ireland’s escalating booze crisis.

Having successfully tackled the tobacco industry, it is time Government took on the powerful drinks sector.