Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to speak about the issue of the rising consumption of energy drinks by young people and to speak about solutions. Energy drinks are widely available and aggressively marketed and contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants such as taurine. Research has shown that these drinks can have serious negative impacts on minors, including on their attention span, academic performance and physical and mental health, such as sleep disturbances, anxiety and even heart problems. Just last January, the HSE's lead expert on obesity spoke publicly about how the consumption of energy drinks has surged in recent years among under-18s in Ireland. He stated that a ban on children buying them would be very positive. From my experience of fostering more than 100 teenagers, I know they are already exploding with energy. Giving them energy leaves them crawling up the walls. To this end, I will introduce a Bill in the near future which will seek to prohibit the sale of stimulant drinks to individuals under the age of 18. It also includes provisions for clear warning labels on product packaging and a restriction on advertising targeted at minors. The aim is to protect children from the harmful effects of these beverages and to promote healthier choices. Work on this Bill sought expert opinions from children's advocacy groups, the Irish Heart Foundation, medical experts and teachers' unions. I believe this Bill will have popular support. Last summer, a public poll in TheJournal.ie found that 73% of people would support such an energy drink ban for under-18s while an additional 14% would be willing to support a ban for under-16s. We have a responsibility to safeguard the health and well-being of our children. By supporting this Bill, we can take a significant step to reducing the risks associated with energy drink consumption among minors. I look forward to hearing colleagues' views on the subject and kindly request their opinions and feedback.

While I have the floor, I remind everyone that there is a vote today to restore the Gradam an Uachtaráin Bill to Committee Stage. The Bill will be a decisive step towards recognising the exceptional contributions by many men and women all over the nation and the world to Ireland. I urge all Members to support it. I look forward to working with all Senators in advancing these initiatives.