Pregnant women have been advised not to drink any alcohol by the State's Chief Medical Officer.
Dr James Kiely said alcohol consumption by pregnant women poses a risk to unborn babies, so it is in the child's best interest for a woman not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
"Given the harmful drinking patterns in Ireland and the propensity to binge drink, there is a substantial risk of neurological damage to the foetus resulting in Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders," said Dr Kiely. "Alcohol offers no benefits to pregnancy outcomes."
The Health Service Executive is due to begin work on updating and disseminating information materials for use by the general public and medical professionals. They will include Dr Kiely's advice that women should avoid alcohol before and during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Pat "the Cope" Gallagher, Minister for Health Promotion and Food Safety, supported Dr Kiely.
"It is essential that women are provided with all the relevant information for a safe and successful pregnancy," he said.
"Therefore, women need to be aware of the risk associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy. As the evidence does not specify a safe level of alcohol consumption, the best advice to women is not to consume alcohol if pregnant or trying to conceive."