'Guinness Easter Egg' products - currently on sale on supermarket shelves and which contain 5% beer - have been criticised by an alcohol industry watchdog.
The 'Dark Chocolate Egg' comes in a pack with the Guinness name and logo displayed on the front and also includes six 'Guinness Chocolate Pints' which the pack states contain '5% Guinness beer'.
Guinness owners Diageo admitted the supermarket product is licensed by it - but insisted that it is 'designed and positioned as an adult offering'.
The ingredients at the bottom of the pack state that the 'Mini Chocolate Pints' contain 'a creamy Guinness flavoured centre encased in dark and white chocolate' and further add that they contain '5% Guinness beer'.
The product is priced at around €12.
A Diageo spokeswoman said: "The eggs in question are produced under license – Guinness do not own, market or sell the product."
She added: "Our licensed partners take every care with the products. They are clearly designed and positioned as an adult offering."
The pack also states: "This product is intended for purchase and enjoyment by people of legal purchase age for alcohol beverages.
"Please remember to drink Guinness responsibly."
Alcohol Action Ireland, which was established in 2003 and is the national charity for alcohol-related issues, criticised the sale of such products on supermarket shelves.
Speaking about the Guinness product, a spokesman said: "This is how future drinkers are enrolled.
"The alcohol industry is adept at attaching its products to all social occasions and this insidious reach towards children is deeply regrettable."
Alcohol Action Ireland recently called for the establishment of an independent state office to lead the way on alcohol policy and also demanded enhanced services for everybody affected by alcohol harm.
