The Government is re-introducing the controversial Public Health (Alcohol) Bill to the Seanad today.

It restricts alcohol advertising and will mean the separation of alcoholic drinks from other products in shops.

It also sets minimum unit pricing on alcoholic beverages.

The alcohol industry's been lobbying against the legislation, but health campaigners say it will help reduce consumption.

Alcohol Action Ireland has said the legislation will introduce "reasonable and pragmatic measures that will, over time, and if introduced in full, reduce our high-risk consumption of alcohol".

Liver specialist Professor Frank Murray has seen the effects of alcohol abuse on his patients:

The Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland, however, claims the measures in the bill won't reduce drinking rates here.

It says restrictions on alcohol advertising linked to sports and cultural events hasn't worked in other countries.

Patricia Callan, who's director of the federation, says the bill leaves out education measures that are proven to be effective: