A new survey shows women can reach their recommended weekly alcohol limit for as little as five euro.

Alcohol Action Ireland says the country has a crisis with booze and consumption levels are continuing to rise.

A new survey by the group shows a woman can reach her weekly recommended low-risk limit of 11 standard drinks for only €4.95.

Men can reach their recommended limit of 17 standard drinks for €7.65, with several brands of cheap cider having the lowest price - as low as €0.45 - for a standard unit of alcohol.

Eunan McKinney from Alcohol Action Ireland says some supermarkets are selling drink at extremely low prices, saying people are drinking significant amounts of alcohol at home.

"There's a race in relation to the lowest price," he observed.

The Health Minister, meanwhile, says he wants to introduce minimum pricing on alcohol by the Autumn.

Stephanie Grogan reports: