A Dublin pub has been severely criticised for running a drinks promotion to coincide with the day when people have received their social welfare payments.

The pub on Dublin's northside has dubbed the promotion ‘Welfare Wednesday', and had even used a logo of the Department of Social Protection in its poster campaign. However, it has since been told to remove this logo by the department.

As part of the promotion, welfare recipients can avail of a range of alcoholic drinks for reduced prices, including whiskey and pints of beer for just €3 each.

The move was described by the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, as irresponsible, while Fine Gael Senator, Catherine Noone, said that it acted as ‘an invitation for people to spend their social welfare on alcohol when they receive it'.

"I would be deeply concerned at people being encouraged to spend irresponsibly on the day they receive their welfare and I would call on this venue to reconsider the promotion immediately,' Senator Noone said.