Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the studies carried out or that are to be undertaken in respect of energy drinks (details supplied) to determine if they have a negative impact on health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24538/08]

Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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I am taking the Deputy's reference to "energy drinks" to relate to "stimulant drinks". The Food Safety Promotion Board (FSPB) commissioned an independent, scientific research into the effects of stimulant 'energy' drinks in 2002. One of the main issues to arise out of the report was the need for labelling of stimulant drinks, especially for groups with special considerations. The groups identified were women who are pregnant and children under 16 years of age. The report also recommended that labels should contain warnings that the drink was unsuitable for consumption with alcohol and as a re-hydration agent during sport and exercise.

Following this report, this Department wrote to the EU Commission proposing that 'taurine' (an ingredient found in stimulant drinks) be made subject to Community scrutiny. This proposal was not supported by other Member States. Labelling legislation is harmonised throughout Europe and Ireland was not in a position to unilaterally change the labelling of drinks products. At the present time there is no European legislation to govern the marketing of stimulant drinks.