The study conducted for Ireland's health department further found that 48 percent of all men and 16 percent of women in Ireland binge drink at least once a week.

Ireland is the highest of all other European countries in term of binge drinking. In the United Kingdom, the percentage of men who binge drink is 40 percent, while in France it is 9 percent.

In addition, more problems, such as falls, unintentional sex and public order offenses, were linked to drinkers in Ireland than any other European country.

Irish health minister Micheal Martin said a number of initiatives are underway to address binge drinking.

"The clear message from this research is that we must change our drinking patterns -- we need to cut down and slow our drinking."

The health ministry recently districted a "Guide to Rethinking your Drinking," as well as a new advertising campaign that will be shown before movies in cinemas throughout the country.

In addition, the new single by Irish artist Sinead O'Connor will include a booklet with information on alcohol.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 200 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for all, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.
   
   
2. Do not post promotional links to organizations, products or services, or personal requests for assistance (get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.