By James Helm Dublin

Alcohol abuse costs Ireland billions of euro per year

It is high on many visitors' itinerary when they arrive in Ireland - a few drinks in a cosy Irish pub.

At the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, 700,000 visitors a year come from around the world to learn about and sample the world-famous "black stuff" - it is one of the country's leading tourist attractions.

In Ireland, a social gathering often means a couple of drinks in a pub or bar.

But the Irish Government is now calling for urgent action to help the country get over a national drink-induced hangover.

The rate of alcohol consumption in Ireland is increasing at an alarming rate Health Minister Michael Martin

It wants sports to end their sponsorship by drinks companies, and better education for young people on the dangers of alcohol.

And a study is about to get under way in several hospitals looking at the links between alcohol and accidents.

Hidden costs

In a speech in Dublin this week, the Health Minister Michael Martin said: "The issue of the inappropriate use of alcohol is one which is becoming more and more serious.

"It is an issue which is becoming more urgent because the rate of alcohol consumption in Ireland is increasing at an alarming rate."

With increased wealth in Ireland producing greater disposable incomes, more money is going on drink

He said that as well as the personal costs to individuals and families of alcohol abuse, there is a huge cost to the country in terms of health, road accidents, drink-related crime and disorder and lost productivity.

Alcohol abuse is estimated to cost Ireland 2.4 billion euro per year.

Experts point to so-called "binge drinking" as a particular and growing problem, especially amongst young people.

Essentially, binge drinking is the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short space of time simply to get drunk.

Alcohol consumption has risen here by nearly 50% since 1989, the fastest growth in Europe.

According to Dr Anne Hope, the National Alcohol Policy Advisor, Ireland is second in the European nion and third in the world league table for alcohol intake.

Wrong image

She says that drinking patterns have changed in recent years, and that with increased wealth in Ireland producing greater disposable incomes, more money is going on drink.

The drinks industry has been criticised in the UK and Ireland for producing stronger drinks attractive to young drinkers - the so-called "alco-pops" - as well as aiming its advertising at young people.

This week a priest in central Dublin was widely publicised for his criticisms of an Irish tradition when big names pass through the city.

Whether it be Bill Clinton on a presidential visit, Mikhail Gorbachev or Prince Charles, visiting dignitaries are usually photographed sipping a pint of stout.

Some campaigners believe that's not the sort of image that should be encouraged.

Either way, for locals and visitors alike, the traditional trip to a lively pub is not in jeopardy.