The Irish Society of Gastroenterology has called for action to be taken against cut-price alcohol.

The Society has called for a 1% levy on alcohol advertising and sponsorship.

Gastroenterologists from Ireland and Britain want to see an improved investment in hospital and community based alcohol treatment services.

The group is seeking to stem what it says is a growing alcohol-related crisis in healthcare.

The Society says the availability of cheap drink in supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations has played a big role in the increase in alcohol-related diseases on the island of Ireland and in Britain.

It is recommending that the money raised from this initiative could be used to fund an Institute of Alcohol Studies......