Boozing crisis - Alcohol abuse must be tackled

THE unenviable reputation of Irish people, including young children, as Europe’s biggest boozers can no longer be dismissed as a popular myth.

It is amply borne out by a major study showing alcohol abuse is costing the country a staggering €2.65 billion a year in absenteeism and illness.

The drink-related problems which are besetting society are so grave that a strategic task force wants the Government to implement no less than 78 recommendations, including higher taxes on drink, in order to tackle the booze crisis.