Mr Denis O'Donovan (FF, Cork South-West) warned about the consequences of failing to face up to widespread alcohol abuse.
He said that in the past decade alcohol abuse had contributed greatly to crime, while the closer relationship between the prison population and drug abuse was frightening.
"If we are not serious about it the country will face a major health crisis in 10 or 15 years," he added. "The health implications of what is happening are already frightening and matters are deteriorating."
Mr O'Donovan said that when he was a teenager, he and his friends had little or no money and considered themselves rich if they had £1 in their pockets.
"However, today young people in their early 20s or late teens, and even younger, depart with 50 and 100 euro notes when buying drink and do not care about the change so long as they get the drinks they ordered, be it a double, a shot, a Bacardi breezer or whatever alcopop they drink. It is a frightening development."
Mr O'Donovan was speaking during the resumed debate on the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Bill, providing a clearer legislative basis for the power of the Minister for Justice to grant temporary release to prisoners.
The Bill passed its second stage and was referred to the Oireachtas justice committee.
