Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I commend Senator Keogan and the other Senators on this Bill. It is a very meaningful, well-put-together and well-drafted Bill. I commend her, the others and the team behind this. I know the Minister of State does not sit at Cabinet and, like all Private Members' business and all legislation, Bills such as these go to Cabinet for discussion and decision. That was where the decision was made, and neither I nor I am sure anyone else here is privy to those discussions, or indeed whether there were discussions. I know from my brief time at Cabinet that some things are not discussed in as much depth as others. This Bill is worthy of discussion and scrutiny as part of pre-legislative scrutiny in a committee. The committees are up and running. The Government could and should look at the Bill. This is part of the programme for Government, as has been said. It is a very worthy issue. There are issues as regards sale versus consumption. A child's mother or father could buy a drink - legally, presumably - and give it to the child, of course, and then that is parental responsibility or parental choice. You see sometimes on social media, "Do you realise that this can of soft drink contains ten, 12, 14 spoons of sugar?" or whatever it is. It is hard to believe it. We talk about labels on alcohol and I see there is still debate on that matter. Is it time for labels like that? I think most people know what a spoonful of sugar is. If there are ten spoonfuls of sugar in something, a label of that type on a product is worthy. Parents can see it. Schools and education have an important role as well. If children consume energy drinks in school, is that something that should be looked at? That is not sale but consumption. There are a lot of things that could be explored as part of pre-legislative scrutiny. That is the word I was looking for earlier. It is a very important issue. There are children who, unfortunately, may have an irregular heartbeat or something for whom a small stimulant can be fatal. There are also children who would absolutely benefit from not consuming these drinks for their own health. Senator Keogan has described very clearly the science that is out there. This could be further explored as quickly as possible as part of pre-legislative scrutiny. I ask the Minister of State to further engage with the senior Minister and the Department to see if this can be expedited and pushed towards pre-legislative scrutiny. There should be an informed and proper debate on it. There are many experts in this field. If there are others who are opposed for some reason, let them bring those arguments forward. That is the role of society and of a legislative process. That can be thrashed out. While I understand the decision that was made by the Government, I think this Bill is worthy of quicker debate, analysis and enactment for the safety of the children of this country.