Ireland’s Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is considering whether the country’s “low-risk” alcohol consumption guidelines should be updated, prompted by new research. Multiple outlets report that HIQA has published a report examining the evidence base for the current limits and that the findings could lead to changes to guidance on what amounts are considered lower risk.
The current guidelines, introduced in 2015, advise that women should drink fewer than 11 standard drinks per week, and men fewer than 17 standard drinks per week. The reports state that HIQA’s review indicates these thresholds may require reconsideration, though the specific direction or revised figures are not provided in the available coverage. HIQA’s work is described as informing possible updates to the public guidance, based on the latest research. The outlets characterise the process as an evidence review rather than a final decision, noting that the report is intended to guide future changes to the national alcohol guidelines.
