The government is being urged to deal with the alcohol abuse problem in Ireland sooner rather than later. Two national charities say the troubled Alcohol Action Plan should be considered in order to reduce the cost of alcohol-related harm.

Alcohol Action Ireland and Depaul Ireland are holding a seminar on the issue in Dublin today.

It is over 3 years since a government-appointed expert group first met to draw up a national alcohol strategy. Since then the Alcohol Action Plan has had a bumpy road.

Reports of government division

Reports of divisions among government ministers emerged over some aspects of it. These include a ban on sports sponsorship as well as the introduction of minimum pricing.

Today 2 national charities are asking the Government to consider the report as a matter of urgency. Alcohol-related harm costs the state around €3 billion a year and around 2,000 hospital beds every night.

Both groups say in the run-up to St. Patrick's Day this weekend the time is right for the government to redefine the Irish relationship with alcohol.

Fiona Ryan is CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland.