It is understood the government is to introduce a minimum price for alcohol in order to tackle the problem of misuse.

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

A working group will now consider the issue over the next 12 months.

Other proposals within the plan include the postponement on a ban on drinks companies sponsoring sporting events, as well as a ban drinks advertising on TV during the day and early evening.

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.

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.

Evelyn Jones is Chairperson of the National Off Licence Association. She told Breakfast here on Newstalk that the introduction of a base price for alcohol has to be fair for consumers and vendors.