Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú)

I welcome this Bill into the Seanad. I was very proud to cosign the Bill. It is a public health Bill that aims to ban the sale of high-energy or stimulant drinks to under-18s. It is a good Bill. The heavy lifting on the energy drinks Bill was done by Independent Senator Sharon Keogan, and I acknowledge the work she has done on this over the past number of years with others. She should be very proud of what she has produced. It is a very thorough Bill. I was happy to cosign it because it is an important Bill, with the best interests of our young people at heart. It is also in the programme for Government. The Bill addresses growing public concern about the sale of popular drinks to young people and the health risks associated with them. It is also in the programme for Government. The Bill addresses growing public concern about the sale of popular drinks to young people and the health risks associated with them.High energy or stimulant drinks are a multimillion euro industry. These drinks are heavily marketed and promoted to young consumers. I urge Senators to look at the shelves in their local supermarkets because the shelves are laden down with these drinks. At the moment, almost 40 different brands are on sale in this country, which is a sharp contrast with the range available in the past number of years. Obviously, it is an expanding and lucrative market. Young people are attracted to these drinks due to their promise of energy-giving properties and a belief that these drinks will help increase their fitness. These drinks are heavily promoted on platforms like Snapchat and Instagram and by influencers. In my opinion, evidence exists that proves these drinks are not a healthy option for young people.

Dr. Aileen McGloin, the director of nutrition for safefood, has stated that in the long-term we are looking at associations with obesity and type 2 diabetes. These are stimulant drinks, which contain high levels of caffeine and sugar that have been linked to adverse health effects, including insomnia, increased anxiety and digestive issues, all which are deeply disturbing. As adults, we all know the effects of consuming too much caffeine, so it stands to reason that young people can be even more impacted. The Bill aims to prohibit the sale of stimulant drinks to young people under the age of 18 as well as restricted advertising to this cohort. The Bill also seeks clear health warnings about any potential health risks caused by excessive consumption to be clearly visible on packaging at points of sale. I see no issue with this.

The health and wellbeing of our young people is vital. In presenting this Bill to the Seanad, Ireland follows the example of other European countries like Hungary, Poland and Lithuania, all of which have similar Bills that restrict the sale of high-energy drinks to minors.

The Irish Heart Foundation, from whose policy team I welcome Mr. Mark Murphy and Ms Saoirse Morgan, has called for a ban. There is worrying evidence from Newcastle and Teesside universities that links cheap energy drinks to depression, anxiety and suicidal feelings. Highly caffeinated drinks can also increase a child's risk of experiencing ADHD symptoms, severe stress and poor sleep quality. I was very disappointed to hear on the radio this morning that the Government had opted to shelve this Bill for 18 months to think about it. The Bill is ready and is in the programme for Government, so I want to know what the problem is.