Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan has signalled that he may consider restricting off-licence opening hours in an effort to curb excessive drinking and street violence.
In an interview published today, Mr Lenihan said he will have discussions with his Government colleagues on measures to restrict the "visibility" of alcohol. He also said he would have the issue examined independently.
"Drink has become far too easily accessible. We have to look at the point of sale," Mr Lenihan said.
Off-licences may open at 7.30am from Monday to Thursday and can stay open for 14 hours - from 10.30am to 12.30am - on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12.30pm to 11pm on Sundays
"We have quite disturbing reports, not only from Dublin, but also from provincial towns, of an alarming growth in the pattern of disorderliness," Mr Lenihan said.
"So clearly there is a need to promote a culture that discourages that kind of thing. Not all problems are caused by drink, of course. A lot result from drugs. But it is all stemming from a pattern of addiction, and I think it has to be addressed."
Mr Lenihan told the Irish Independenthe believed publicans and the "on-licence" trade have been "unfairly targeted as the prime culprits in promoting our alcohol culture".
A spokeswoman for the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, which represents publicans throughout Ireland, said the organisation had no comment to make on the matter as no specific proposals had been announced by the Minister.