The Health Minister’s appealing to the public to drink in moderation this St. Patrick’s weekend.
Emergency Department attendances traditionally rise on Bank Holiday weekends and it’s a busy time for emergency services.
Simon Harris says children can also present with symptoms of alcohol misuse;
"I'd appeal to people to celebrate and enjoy St Patrick's day but in a responsible fashion.
We do know at this time of the year, sadly not just in relation to adults but also in relation to children, our hospitals do see surges in relation to alcohol related illness.
So particularly for parents to keep an eye on their kids - people can have a good weekend and a nice weekend and celebrate our national holiday.
But we don't need to see a situation where in adult hospitals and children's hospitals that we see a surge in alcohol attendances."
Thousands of people are expected to turn out for Patrick's Day events all over the country today.
Traffic restrictions are in place on most parade routes and people are advised to plan their route before travelling.
The President Michael D Higgins will attend the Dublin Parade.
While Tourism Ireland says 'Global Greening' is going from strength to strength this year.
Heavy snow is also expected to hit parts of the country this St. Patrick's weekend.
A status yellow warning is in place for the whole country from midday with sub-zero temperatures and icy conditions due.
Met Eireann will upgrade the alert to status orange from early tomorrow morning for Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath and Waterford.
