Hiqa Calls for Review of Ireland's Alcohol Guidelines, Citing Minimal Sex-Based Risk Difference

The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) has called for a review of Ireland’s low-risk alcohol guidelines, stating there is minimal difference in alcohol-related harm risk between men and women. The current Health Service Executive (HSE) guidelines recommend women drink no more than 11 standard drinks per week and men no more than 17.

Hiqa published two reports on Wednesday, updating these guidelines by examining risks of death, hospitalization, and mental health impacts. Between 2022 and 2024, alcohol was estimated to cause an average of 1,420 deaths and 27,066 hospital admissions annually. The reports found that over half of alcohol-attributable deaths occurred among the 90 per cent of drinkers with the lowest consumption levels, indicating substantial risk even at lower intake.

The lifetime risk of premature death before age 75, overall death, and years of life lost increased with higher average daily consumption for both sexes. Ireland has one of Europe's highest rates of heavy episodic drinking, particularly among young adults, linked to increased depressive and anxiety symptoms. Michelle O’Neill, Hiqa’s deputy director of health technology assessment, emphasized the need to review guidelines to help people understand alcohol risks and make informed choices.