Archbishop Sean Brady of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, has criticised the prevalence of alcohol in Irish society.
Speaking at a Temperance Sunday service in Dundalk, he said Irish people had developed a shocking drinking culture.
He said people were binge drinking on religious occasions such as marriages and funerals, as well as at social and sporting events.
"It is not just the social and the sporting events - religious occasions are involved. "From baptism to confirmation, marriage to funerals, we have developed a culture of drinking that is sometimes shocking," Archbishop Brady said.
"Sometimes I fear we may be witnessing another lost generation - a generation of young people who, instead of emigrating abroad, are leaving the shores of moderation, responsibility and spirituality," he said
Drink was costing the State €900 million every year - which would pay for a new hospital, a moderately sized sports stadium and a government jet for each minister every year.
"Temperance on the other hand gives serenity of spirit, the kind of serenity and harmony that satisfies the depths of the heart," Archbishop Brady added.
PA