The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, has called for a national debate on alcohol, and in particular its links with violent crime and suicide.
He urged the Government to publish a Green Paper on the subject, discussing the potential effects of a range of alcohol-related policies. The proposed measures would include curbs on publicans and nightclub owners who serve drunken customers, restrictions on drink promotions, especially in sport, and the placing of health warnings on alcohol products.
Mr Bruton said international studies showed that drink was a contributory factor in 40 per cent of all violent crime and that suicide victims had a higher than average rate of alcohol abuse. But he admitted that there was "room for argument about the exact link between alcohol and antisocial behaviour", and deeper reflection was needed.