Sharon Keogan (Independent)

I thank Members for their contributions and participation in the debate on this Bill. This is significant legislation, with many provisions that will cover a great deal of ground. The Bill has been several years in the making and, as mentioned, it has involved the input of many others, including experts and civil society organisations. It has been written following a study of similar laws already in place in other EU nations. We also hope it anticipates the evolving nature of the problem, which we hope will not grow into a crisis. Consequently, we hope it will make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and adolescents. We hope it will not only prevent the negative consequences of the current open season policy, such as the stress felt by teachers and parents dealing with mood swings and poor behaviour in their classrooms and homes, but also the anxiety, insomnia and palpitations experienced by young people themselves. We hope that it will promote the positive outcomes that will result from such a ban. We hope to see young people who feel calm, well rested and full of a healthy energy that comes from a good diet and an active lifestyle. We hope to see young people who are at ease in study, work or play.We hope to see young people who grow up happy and free of anxiety and fatigue.

I must address the Government's proposed amendment to delay the Bill for 18 months on the grounds that further discussion and research are needed. While calls for discussion and further research are always welcome, we wish to emphasise that much of the groundwork has already been laid. We must point out that several other countries have already carried out their own research and found it appropriate to introduce similar bans, such as Lithuania and Latvia, which did so as far back as 2014 and 2016, respectively. Both countries have reported that the ban significantly decreased energy drink consumption among minors. Additionally, Hungary passed its own ban this year and the UK appears set to follow. Likewise, we should reflect on the fact that for nearly 15 years, we have complied with EU law on stimulant drinks whereby we place warning labels on them for pregnant women and people with health conditions. If we have agreed to this for so long, then we must ask why it is deemed acceptable to sell the same drinks to children and developing teenagers.

Dear Members, while debate is welcome and should be facilitated, we must acknowledge that the situation is not improving. Therefore, we should not unduly delay. Today, it is reported by UNICEF that Irish teenagers are among the least happy in the developed world. This legislation is urgent and cannot wait too long.

I wish to thank the Minister of State for her presence and I emphasise that I look forward to working constructively with the Government to pass this law. I hope that, in progressing the Bill, we do not allow partisanship to cloud our judgment. This legislation should not become a political football. I urge all parties and Independents alike to view this Bill not as an opportunity for point scoring, but as a shared duty and obligation to protect the health and wellbeing of the next generation. There should be no exclusion from the legislative process. I welcome scrutiny, collaboration and amendments where appropriate. I remain open to good ideas from across the floor because at the heart of this Bill is a simple goal, namely, to do the right thing. This is not about politics or headlines. This is about building a society that is safer, healthier and more supportive of our children. It is about learning from international evidence, listening to parents and professionals and acting decisively before more young people's lives are impacted. We all share a responsibility, not just as legislators, but as adults, leaders and people entrusted with the care of our communities. Let us meet that responsibility together with resolve and unity.

I commend the Bill to the House and I look forward to working with the Minister of State in the coming years. I am a member of the children's committee, which I hope the Minister of State will come to. We might even start this legislation at that committee.