Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to thank all the witnesses and, in particular, Caroline Sloan for her courageous testimony. In preparing for today's meeting, I thought of my experience in voluntary organisations such as the girl guides. That is when I had the experience of using an EpiPen. At the beginning of the meeting, our examination of the relevant legislation was mentioned along with civil liability issues. Having had to use an EpiPen, I realise that one must know how to use it correctly.

I refer to that judgment call to use or not to use an EpiPen. Are there negative effects of misusing one?

There is a significant issue with young people and allergies. Over the 20 years I have been bringing groups of young girls away, the range of allergies has been increasing. One can try to ensure the environment is clear of nuts, jelly and so on, but when young people are away, they will have midnight feasts, occasions on which I have had to use a pen.

We have been focusing on schools, and Deputy McLellan mentioned crèches, but for me it is more about remote locations. How do we ensure preparedness and provide appropriate training so that people know the symptoms of allergies? It is so quick and so apparent when it happens but, unfortunately, it can be too late to know that they are the symptoms.

Some young people are great while others are not so good. I am trying to work out how we can best respond. My fear of the box on the wall is that the person with the key will not be around and that one will be looking at this box, knowing it should be used. As legislators, how can we work to find a practical solution so it can made available appropriately? That is what I am trying to work through but I have not heard about the negative effects or misuse. Does somebody just get an adrenaline boost or are there other potential effects? I would be interested in exploring those issues. I thank the witnesses.