A new survey has found that almost half of Irish workers have admitted to being drunk while at work. 44% of Irish employees say that, at some stage throughout their career, they have attended work whilst under the influence of drink.

77% of Irish employers say have had to discipline staff who they suspect have been drunk in work. The research, by Peninsula Ireland, questioned 1,353 Irish employees by telephone.

The managing director of Peninsula Ireland, Alan Price, said "Employees who attend work under the influence of alcohol are not just putting themselves at risk but also the safety of others. It is fine heading to the pub at lunch for a quick drink or enjoying a few beers with your friends the night before, however when does it impede your job?".

"If you do have a drink, remember you may well put the safety of yourself, colleagues, friends and customers at risk. You may think that one drink will not account for much but potentially you could be wrong."

"It puts the safety and reputation of your business on the line. Employers may well wish to introduce random drug and alcohol testing into polices and if this is the case then they can implement at their discretion," he added.

The survey also spoke to 649 Irish employers by telephone from across the Republic and the North throughout June and July, 2014.