Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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614. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a ban on the sale of energy drinks to children under 18 years of age; to regulate the quantity of caffeine, taurine or other substances used in some energy drinks that may have negative health effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23597/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Food legislation is harmonised throughout Europe and Member States may not adopt national measures which prohibit, impede or restrict the free movement of goods which comply with EU legislation. Because high caffeine drinks are not recommended for certain population groups, specific EU labelling requirements apply for beverages exceeding 150 mg/l. of caffeine. The labelling must specify that they have a high caffeine content, are not recommended for children, pregnant or breast-feeding women and must also state the caffeine content expressed per mg/100 ml. This does not apply to tea and coffee where the name of the food includes 'tea' and 'coffee'.

Any future action on taurine will be informed by scientific recommendation by the European Food Safety Authority before being considered for EU regulation by Member States.

I have asked the Safefoodto undertake a review of the position regarding energy drinks in Ireland and I expect that a report will be presented to me in this matter in the near future.