Four teenagers share their views on alcohol consumption.
"We need to lower the drinking age to 16. It's the best way of tackling binge drinking. Countries like France and Portugal, which have 16 as the legal age for drinking, have some of the lowest binge- drinking rates in Europe.
"It could be done by issuing young people with an ID, similar to a supermarket club card. It would permit 16 to 18-year-olds a maximum of two drinks, while 18 to 21 years would be permitted three to four drinks."
Orla Cosgrove (15), Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan:
"Education is the key - there isn't enough education about the effects of alcohol or drinking responsibly. It should start at primary level because there is real ignorance on this issue. We need to change that."
Sarah McManus (17), Finglas, Dublin:
"There need to be more alternatives for young people. In Finglas we have a youth centre going for the last two years which is used by teenagers in the evenings. It's run by young people, so it's not all adults. It took a while for it to take off, but it's a big success now. We need more of those kinds of alternatives."
"The media tends to portray teenagers as wild, out-of-control delinquents, but we do respect law and order. Law enforcement and the role of the gardaí is important and should be used more effectively. They should have more powers to penalise off-licences and pubs that serve people who are under age."