There is a call on the government to cut excise duty on alcohol to help pubs deal with rising costs.

There has been a sharp decline in the number of pubs in the country over the past 16 years, with a fall of 21 per cent.

A report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland shows a fall in numbers in every county.

Michael O'Donovan from the Vintners Federation of Ireland says publicans need help to 'survive the winter'...