Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State and I thank Senator Keogan for bringing forward what I believe is a very important Bill. It is timely. As a parent and as a coach all my life who has dealt with children and adults, I have seen first hand what these stimulant drinks can do. They can drive kids, young adults and even adults nearly to a certain point of breakdown. It is timely and necessary to restrict the sale of stimulant drinks, commonly known as energy drinks, to children under the age of 16 in Ireland. As far as I am concerned, no child should be sold caffeine. This proposal is not about curtailing personal freedoms or interfering with choice, it is about safeguarding the health and well-being of our young people; children who are still developing physically, mentally and emotionally and who deserve the full protection of the law when it comes to substances that can cause harm.

As stated, energy drinks are marketed aggressively to adults and children. They are often presented as essential for athletic performance, which is wrong. They are also presented as contributing to concentration and endurance but let us not be misled; these drinks contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants, often in quantities far exceeding those found in a standard cup of coffee or a can of soft drink. Some cans contain up to three times the recommended daily caffeine limit for a child in a single serving. Medical professionals and public health experts have repeatedly warned us of the dangers. Consumption of these drinks by children has been linked to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, anxiety, behavioural difficulties and even cardiac incidents in rare, but serious, cases. They are often consumed in combination with sugar laden diets, or even alcohol, increasing the risks.

Last week I tabled a Commencement matter that I will really pursue about the mandatory health screening for every kid from 12- to 18-years-of-age, which would hopefully detect undiagnosed heart conditions. I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments of the Bill. I also agree with the Minister that there should be an evidence-based approach and sufficient time for an examination of evidence and public health concerns relating to such substances. I agree with the Bill and really support it. Some 18 months is a long time away, but I would like to work on the Bill and with Senator Keogan on the mandatory screening. We saw three teenagers die in the last three weeks, so I support this Bill going forward and support anything that can put more pressure on the Government to bring it to fruition before the 18-month timeline.