Seanad Report: Some of the approaches in other countries to deal with serious alcohol abuse might have to be employed here, Mr Brian Lenihan, Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, said.
It was a matter of concern to him that there was no national public debate about the types of sanction used in other jurisdictions when this problem became serious.
The House had been told about the serious impact of the abuse of alcohol on the accident and emergency wards of major hospitals.
"Why are non-medical-cardholders not billed with the full cost of their stay in a hospital unit when it is the result of self-induced intoxication?
"That's a basic issue which health boards have to address," he said.
Winding up the debate on the high level of alcohol consumption by young people, Mr Lenihan said that the expression "nanny state" had had a certain currency of late.
"If the State is not prepared to give a moral lead, nobody will. We must face up to that.
"If it is nanny behaviour to suggest to people that they should not get blind drunk and to introduce sanctions with regard to the consequences of becoming blind drunk, I am happy to admit that I support the nanny state," the Minister said.
Ms Sheila Terry (FG) said current laws must be enforced, rather than bringing in new ones.
The Minister responded that the current laws clearly did not provide sufficient sanctions to deter this type of conduct.
Mr David Norris (Ind) said young people were being bombarded with advertising assuring them that they would have a fantastic sexual life if they drank as much as possible.
Mr Maurice Cummins (FG) said the cost of soft drinks in pubs, clubs and hotels was an absolute disgrace.