A new minimum price for alcohol is to be introduced as part of a strategy to clamp down on problem drinking.

The measure is among a number of initiatives being outlined this afternoon by the government to address alcohol misuse.

There will also be restrictions on the advertising of alcohol on TV and radio from 2016 to evening hours. The restrictions will be decided in consultation with the Department of Communications, but concern has been expressed that any such ban may put Irish broadcasters at a disadvantage to foreign rivals.

Alcohol containers such as bottles and cans will also carry health warnings and calorie levels.

However the controversial proposal to ban drinks companies from sponsoring sports events has been postponed.

The plan is part of the National Substance Misuse Strategy which will be developed in conjunction with policy in Northern Ireland to bring pricing in line on both sides of the border.

An Oireachtas Committee opposed a ban on alcohol sponsorship at sporting events back in July, saying clubs and organisations would suffer inordinately.

Instead, the Transport and Communications Committee said some of the money should be ring-fenced for substance abuse programmes.

It said banning sponsorship by drinks companies should only be considered if it is done in other European countries so sporting organisations here are not at a disadvantage.

The Health Minister James Reilly says the abuse of alcohol is a significant problem in Ireland.

While speaking to Lunchtime here on Newstalk, the Junior Health Minister Alex White said the legislation would take about 6 months to finalise.