Evanne Ní Chuilinn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the difficulties faced by nut and other allergy sufferers in Ireland. Allergies are very common in Ireland with about 29% of people suffering with an allergy, but those numbers are rising. The rates are similar to those found in other European countries. Roughly 15% of the population has complex allergy problems requiring specialist care, typically a dose of adrenaline using an EpiPen where the nut is ingested or even airborne. Parents of allergy sufferers are campaigning for additional support and practical solutions to the dangers faces by children whether at school, matches or in playgrounds. A parent, teacher or coach will not always be on hand with an EpiPen and the EpiPens may not always be in date, which is another issue. EpiPens must be kept in a cool place away from sunlight, so summer camps and sports can be a real problem. The parents of these children live in fear they will eat something they are allergic to or that the EpiPen itself will not function correctly when it is needed.

What can be done? One practical solution would involve the roll-out of EpiPen kits in busy public spaces such as schools, restaurants and playgrounds. We have seen the increased awareness and visibility of defibrillators in public spaces. Anaphylaxis kits could and should be every defibrillator's next-door neighbour. Each kit would contain adrenaline auto-injectors, commonly known as EpiPens, and clear usage instructions ensuring accessibility, even for untrained individuals during emergencies. We all remember the tragic loss of teenager Emma Sloan from Drimnagh who died on O'Connell Street after going into anaphylactic shock. Emma mistakenly ate a sauce containing nuts while out for dinner with her family. Had an EpiPen kit been available in the restaurant, or anywhere on one of the busiest thoroughfares in our country, there would likely have been a very different outcome on that day. There is a company in the UK rolling out kits and specialist training by way of an annual subscription.The kit is monitored and replenished if and when pens go out of date. It can be made available to schools, sports clubs, restaurants, public parks and playgrounds. I invite the Minister with responsibility for food safety to a debate on the possibility of rolling out a similar public health campaign here in Ireland.