The number of 16-year-olds drinking alcohol has fallen by 23 per cent, but parents are being warned to be vigilant ahead of Junior Cert results night.

Both drinkaware.ie and the National Parents’ Council have warned parents of teens that communication was key to preventing under-age drinking.

Citing a European survey that showed Irish 16-year-olds drink less than their European counterparts, drinkaware.ie chief executive Fionnuala Sheehan said that the figures were encouraging. However, with 37 per cent of 16-year-olds having bought alcohol in a pub in the last month, she said there was work to be done.

“While the figures clearly indicate a need for greater vigilance by both on- and off-trade licensees in Ireland, the data also suggests that Irish teens access much of the alcohol that they consume in their homes or friends’ homes, or that they find other people to purchase it for them.”

Jackie O’Callaghan of the National Parents Council said that parents should be involved with their children’s Junior Cert celebrations.

“[Parents should] be involved in their child’s celebrations, and know where and with whom they are going.”

Jackie O’Callaghan of the National Parents Council said that parents should be involved with their children’s Junior Cert celebrations.

“[Parents should] be involved in their child’s celebrations, and know where and with whom they are going.”