Alcohol guidelines in Ireland may be changing

This comes following a new report from the Health Information and Quality Authority.

HIQA has said a major review of Irish drinking guidelines could be on the cards following new research which suggests even low levels of alcohol consumption carry health risks.

The report raised questions over the current advice and on what is considered 'low-risk' drinking, with findings indicating that existing recommendations may no longer reflect the new evidence.

HSE guidelines currently advise that women should consume no more than 11 standard drinks per week, while men are advised to stay below 17. A standard drink being similar to a small glass of wine, half a pint of beer or a single measure of spirits.

However, HIQA's latest analysis suggests that different limits for men and women may have little justification, as researchers only found minor differences in alcohol-related risks between genders.

Furthermore, the report also highlighted that even relatively low levels of alcohol consumption carry health risks, challenging the idea that a 'completely safe' amount to consume exists.

Alongside the review, HIQA has released a separate study examining the impact of alcohol on public health in Ireland.

Such findings estimate that alcohol was linked to an average of 1,420 deaths and over 27,000 hospital admissions annually between 2022 and 2024.

It was found that the likelihood of premature death, overall mortality rates and hospital admissions all increased alongside alcohol consumption.

While a wide range of health impacts were explored in the report, HIQA said the available international evidence did not provide clear conclusions about the relationship between alcohol consumption and mental health.

HIQA Deputy Director of Health Technology Assessment, Michelle O'Neill, commented on the findings, saying the research demonstrates a 'strong association' between higher alcohol consumption and increased rates of death and hospital admissions.

The findings will likely lead to discussions on whether Ireland's alcohol guidelines remain up to date.