Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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185. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on the Programme for Government commitment to “explore restrictions on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, including a ban on their sale to children”; the work carried out to date in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60316/25]

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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As you are aware, our Programme for Government includes a commitment to “explore restrictions on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, including a ban on their sale to children.” When publishing the Evaluation of the Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax in September2024, concern was raised at the significant increase in consumption of energy drinks which are not recommended for sale to under 16-year-olds and noted that this would need further examination.

Research is being carried out to inform the development of a public health policy position on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, in particular to children.

Safefood are currently updating their review of energy drinks data from Ireland and my Department will be considering this, once it is available.

Upon determining the evidence-base for any public health concern in Ireland on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, we will determine appropriate responses to such public health concerns. We will continue to engage with key stakeholders as appropriate during this process.