Rising numbers of Irish teenagers are seeking treatment for alcoholism, with over 200 cases involving people under the age of 18 recorded during 2007 alone.

Figures compiled by the government-funded Health Research Board (HRB) have prompted fresh concerns about the extent of underage binge drinking in Ireland, and the failure to limit access to alcohol by minors.

According to a new HRB report into the rates of treatment of problem alcohol use in Ireland, there were 216 cases where alcoholics aged under 18 sought treatment for their drink problem in 2007.

By comparison, the total number of new and previously treated problem alcohol-use cases involving under-18s stood at 163 in 2006, and 133 a year earlier.

The total number of recorded cases where people sought treatment for problem alcohol use in Ireland also increased by over 1,400 to 7,300 in 2007.

One in five of those treated also reported using at least one other substance, with cannabis the most commonly used drug, followed by cocaine and ecstasy.

The most common age at which those in treatment for alcohol addiction started drinking was 16 years – or two years before they are entitled to legally purchase alcohol. The findings have prompted one expert to express concern that attempts to curtail underage drinking here are failing.

Grainne Kenny, president of Europe Against Drugs (EURAD) who is also an addiction counsellor, said there was a real need for greater prevention mechanisms to be introduced here.

"These kids will take anything that is available to them," she told the Sunday Tribune. "Alcohol is a legal drug and because it is legal it is seen as socially acceptable, and is available. What this proves to us is that when a drug is legally available, you cannot keep it away from minors. They get it right from the drinks cupboard."