The Taoiseach says the social media phenomenon of Neknomination is 'not a game' and has the 'most horrific consequences'.
Enda Kenny says he was 'distraught' hearing the pleas of the father of a young Carlow man, who died after participating in the online challenge.
The body of Jonny Byrne (19) was taken from the River Barrow yesterday.
The Taoiseach has told Galway Bay FM that people taking part in the online craze need to stop.
The Children's Minister earlier said that Ireland has to 'grow up' in relation to our approach to drinking alcohol.
Frances Fitzgerald has also expressed sympathy to the family of Jonny Byrne who died at the weekend after falling into the water whilst playing a social media-based drinking game.
The brother of the man has asked people not to play "neknomination".
He posted on Facebook last night:
"my young 19 year old brother died tonight in the middle of his nomination... he thought he had to try and beat the competition, after he necked his pint, he jumped into the river. If people have any decency and respect they will refrain from anymore of this stupid nek nomination".
The body of Jonny Byrne (19) was taken from the River Barrow yesterday
The drinking game originated in Western Australia but has since gone global. Participants film themselves downing a pint of beer and the upload the clip online.
At the end of the video the participant nominates a friend to do the same and it follows on like a chain mail.
Minister Fitzgerald says while social media platforms do have a role to play in stopping this, that it is up to informing young people about the damages alcohol can do.
In a statement, the Institute of Technology Carlow said "The Staff and Students of Institute of Technology Carlow are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of first year Business student Jonny Byrne. Jonny was a bright, conscientious student who was popular with fellow students and lecturers alike. Jonny was also a keen hurler and footballer and was an IT Carlow GAA Club member".
Meanwhile the Chairman of the Oireachtas Health Committee is urging the government to speed up its new laws on the sale and use of alcohol.
Jerry Buttimer says the nek nomination game points to a wider problem that threatens the public health system.
Jonny's best friend since childhood, Peter Shaw, is calling for the game to come to an end.
