Fine Gael has attacked the Government for failing to provide sufficient facilities for young people as an alternative to drinking.
Speaking the day after gardai arrested 714 across the State for public order offences largely attributable to St Patrick's Day celebrations, the party's Family Affairs spokesman said that in the absence of State-provided alternatives, many young people have turned to alcohol.
Mr Stanton said: "Reports from St Patrick's Day events around the country have shown that for many people the only way to enjoy our national day is with alcohol, and plenty of it. This, undoubtedly, contributes to the higher than usual public order offences that are now part and parcel of St Patrick's Day in this country.
"The Government has failed to support youth work programmes which I believe help to lessen the dependence on alcohol as a social outlet."
He hit out at the level of funding provided for youth projects nationally and said they benefit the "community and society as a whole".