Sharon Keogan to introduce bill banning energy drinks for under 18s
Sharon Keogan announced she will introduce a bill to prohibit the sale of stimulant energy drinks to individuals under 18, require clear warning labels and restrict advertising targeted at minors. She cited research on high caffeine and stimulants, HSE concern about rising consumption among under-18s, and consultations with health and education groups.
Bill proposals
The proposed bill seeks to prohibit the sale of stimulant drinks to anyone under the age of 18, require clear warning labels on product packaging and restrict advertising aimed at minors. Keogan framed the measures as protection for children and promotion of healthier choices.
Health risks and evidence
Keogan cited research showing energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and stimulants such as taurine and can harm minors' attention span, academic performance, sleep, mental health and even cause heart problems. She also referenced the HSE's lead expert on obesity, who spoke publicly about a surge in consumption among under-18s and said a ban on children buying them would be very positive.
Consultation and public support
The bill drew on expert input from children's advocacy groups, the Irish Heart Foundation, medical experts and teachers unions, Keogan said. She argued the measure would be popular, citing a public poll reported last summer that found 73% support for a ban for under-18s and a further 14% open to a ban for under-16s.
Other parliamentary business
While speaking, Keogan also reminded colleagues of a vote to restore the Graatham on Uchthram bill to committee stage and urged support, saying the bill would recognise exceptional contributions by men and women at home and abroad. She invited colleagues' views and feedback and said she looked forward to working with others to advance these initiatives.
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I rise today to speak about the issues of the rising consumption of energy drinks by young people and to speak about solutions. Energy drinks, which are widely available and aggressively marketed, contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants such as taurine. Research has shown that these drinks can have serious negative impacts on minors, including their attention span, their academic performance and on their physical and mental health such as sleep disturbances, anxiety and even heart problems. Just last January, the HSE's lead expert on obesity spoke publicly about how consumption of energy drinks has surged in recent years among under 18s in Ireland and he stated that a ban on children buying them would be very positive. From my own experience of fostering over 100 teenagers, I know that they are already exploding with energy. Giving them energy leaves them crawling up the walls. To this end, I will be introducing a bill in the near future which will seek to prohibit the sale of stimulant drinks to individuals under the age of 18. It also includes provisions for clear warning labels on products packaging and the restriction on advertising targeted at minors. The aim is to protect our children from the harmful effects of these beverages and to promote healthier choices. This bill sought expert opinions from children's advocacy groups, the Irish Heart Foundation, medical experts and teachers unions. I believe this bill will have popular support. Last summer, a public poll in the journal found that 73% of people would support such an energy drink ban for under 18s, while an additional 14% thought to be willing to support a ban for under 16s. Colleagues, we have a responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our children. By supporting this bill, we can take a significant step to reducing the risks associated with energy drinks consumption among minors. I therefore look forward to hearing your views on the subject and kindly request your opinions and feedback. Also, while I have the floor, I would like to remind everyone that there is a vote today to restore the Graatham on Uchthram bill to the committee stage. I believe the bill will be a decisive step towards recognising the exceptional contributions made by so many men and women all over the nation and the world to Ireland and I would urge you all to support it. Thank you for your attention and I look forward to working with you all in advancing these initiatives. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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