Doctors have warned that the introduction of a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcoholic drinks is the only way to reduce the sale of cheap alcohol, reduce alcohol-related health harm and reduce the cost to the state of alcohol-related illnesses and social problems.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) policy group on alcohol was commenting on the results of a study that showed that 75 per cent of all alcohol consumed in Ireland is drunk as part of a binge-drinking session.

The Health Research Board study also shows that 150,000 people are 'dependent drinkers', more than 1.3 million people are 'harmful drinkers' and that 43 per cent of drinking is done at home.

The RCPI says the introduction of a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcoholic beverages is now urgently required. It also wants to see an increase in excise duty at least in line with inflation in the next Budget.

The policy group's chairman, Prof Frank Murray, says MUP will mostly affect off-trade business where cheap alcohol is sold.

"The introduction of minimum unit pricing of alcohol will have the biggest impact on individuals who consume large quantities of cheap alcohol products which tend to be young people and problem drinkers. It is the best way to tackle binge drinking as highlighted in the HRB report today and previously by the World Health Organization."

Prof Murray said the implementation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill has been delayed.

"This Bill has the potential to save lives and to drive changes in Irish attitudes. It is the best way we can begin to show the world that we are attempting to shake off the 'drunken Irish' label once and for all," he said.