A new regional health survey has revealed significant differences in health and lifestyle behaviour between the east of the country and all other regions.
Levels of social drinking among women, obesity and cannabis use are higher in the east than in other parts.
The survey, carried out by researchers at NUI Galway, also found a reduction in the incidence of smoking among teenage girls.
Alcohol consumption among schoolchildren is high with 46% of boys and 38% of girls reporting being really drunk in some regions.
Obesity continues to be a cause for concern, according to the report, with regional rates of between 16% and 10%.
Commenting on the report, Health Minister Micheál Martin said this survey was an invaluable resource in identifying trends among the population and would act as a road map for future policy making.
