The abuse of alcohol remains the "single most aggravating ingredient" behind reported rises in violent street crime, according to Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne.
Addressing the annual delegate conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) in Galway this afternoon, Mr Byrne insisted that all those involved in the sale and consumption of alcohol have a responsibility to shoulder.
"The prevalence of alcohol results in consequences which have a detrimental effect on too great a proportion of people's lives. Responsibility must be recognised and shouldered by all sections of society who have involvement in this issue," he stated.
"This includes responsibility for one's own actions," he added.
The General Secretary of the AGSI, Mr George Maybury, had yesterday called on the government to increase Garda numbers in line with election promises, in order to tackle what's perceived as a spiralling epidemic of violent crime on the country's streets.
Speaking on the issue of resources this afternoon, the Garda Commissioner told delegates that the Garda must work "within the constrained environment of a finite budget."
"Value for money policing must be delivered and it must be effective," Mr Byrne stated.
The Commissioner also pledged to meet "head-on" the activities of those involved in organised crime.
"The response of our national units supporting local divisions demonstrates that organised crime can be tackled," he claimed.
However, he made no comment on an ASGI call yesterday for the establishment of a specialist crime unit to tackle organised crime. The call came after the shooting dead of two men, in separate incidents in Coolderry, county Offaly and Inchicore, Dublin, over the last ten days.
Commissioner Byrne also spoke of other challenges facing the force in the immediate future, such as the implementation of the Police Co-operation Bill, involving greater co-operation with the PSNI, and the security preparations for next year's EU presidency.
He also reminded delegates that public support for the force had continued at a high level over the past number of years.
The AGSI annual conference will conclude tomorrow, following a lunchtime speech from the president of the organisation, Sgt Joe Derwin.