Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

I would like to raise an issue that was brought to my attention over the weekend when a young man collapsed after a match. There were a number of contributory factors, including fatigue and dehydration, but the most crucial was the consumption of a high energy drink prior to the match. There is not sufficient awareness of the dangers on the part of those who sell such high energy drinks and consume them. Thankfully, the young man in question is fine. I am told by people in the know who work in the sports field that in certain circumstances consuming such a drink prior to a match can be very dangerous. I would like the Leader to allocate time for a debate on the issue prior to the end the session next week because there are quite a few matches due to be played. I wish to use this platform to raise awareness of the dangers involved in the hope somebody will not consume one of these dangerous products when he or she is fatigued and dehydrated. I hope we will have some good weather, but potentially that will increase the danger. I ask the Leader to set aside even a short period for a debate on the issue and invite an official from a Department to attend. This would ensure the matter was raised and aired and help to increase awareness on the part of those who sell and consume such products.