News

17% rise in alcohol consumption in 11 years

Thursday, 1 November 2007

A report published today shows that alcohol consumption in Ireland has increased by 17% over the past 11 years.

The Health Research Board report reveals that the average Irish adult drank almost two litres of alcohol more in 2006 than in 1995.

This rise in consumption has led to an increase in the number of alcohol-related diseases.

There was a 147% increase in alcohol related liver disease between 1995 and 2004, which the report says will have a serious impact on the health services.

It says the increase has resulted in more than 1,775 deaths.

The number of people in hospital with alcohol related problems or injuries increased by almost 90%.

75% of those admitted were men. But the report says the ratio of men to women drinkers is likely to even out in the future.

The authors of the report also looked at measures which have had success in restraining alcohol use elsewhere.

These included increasing the tax on alcohol, more restrictions on the availability of alcohol and the use of drink driving measures, such as random breath testing.

Meanwhile, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Brian Cowen said he had avoided increasing excise duties to date as part of an effort to control inflation.

The Tánaiste said he would not disclose details of next month's budget, however he said he did not anticipate any fiscal response at this stage.

The Minister blamed a high level of disposable income for problem drinking among the young, which has both short-term and long-term health implications.