Drinkaware.ie says it is not responsible for telling drinks companies who fund them that their events are inappropriate.
The organisation's Chief Executive has been responding to the news that the Union of Student's in Ireland is ending its relationship with Drinkaware.
The USI says it is not a decision that has been taken lightly, but a lot of its delegates were uncomfortable about the association, and about last September's Arthur's Day event in particular.
The students' representative body claims the messaging behind Drinkaware is unhelpful. They allege that drinking is always at the centre of the message, even if that message is to 'drink responsibly'.
For its part, Drinkaware has admitted that it is significantly funded by Diageo, but says the fact that drinks companies will invest is a good thing.
The support group says nine out of ten young Irish people between the ages of 18-24 drink alcohol, and don't welcome being told what to do by advocacy groups.
Chief Executive of Drinkaware.ie, Fionnuala Sheahan, and President of the USI, Joe O'Connor, spoke to Newstalk's Breakfast:
