The drinks industry has called on alcohol retailers to help prevent underage drinking as students begin celebrating their Leaving Certificate results today.
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), which represents companies and organisations involved in the manufacture and sale of alcohol in Ireland, called on its members to exercise care in selling alcohol.
Chairman of DIGI Michael Patton said; "It's only right that young people should be able to enjoy themselves and celebrate a very significant occasion in their lives.
"However too often, the publication of Leaving Certificate results has led to excessive alcohol consumption by young people and we are calling on all concerned - students themselves, their parents, the Gardai and retailers of alcohol - to be especially vigilant to prevent the night being tarnished by excessive drinking or dangerous behaviour."
Mr Patton said that in the long term, an effective response to underage drinking must include the introduction of a proper national ID card and he urged the Government to reconsider this option.