Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Carlow-Kilkenny · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“There is nothing any of us in this House can say that can undo the pain, harm and loss experienced by those young boys, their families and the communities in which they lived, played basketball and worked. They have had to endure a lifetime of harm, many of them carrying their suffering in silence.”
“We are listening to you, we are learning and we are acting. All of us in this House have a responsibility to ensure that our child safeguarding systems are robust. We must ensure that if concerns are raised today, they are acted on without delay.”
“Today is a profoundly important and solemn day. I want to add my voice to the full and formal State apology and to acknowledge the courage, dignity and perseverance of those survivors who fought for truth and accountability for so many years.”
“I thank the Deputy for highlighting this very important issue and the 161 recommendations. First, I thank the Joint Committee on Drug Use for its work. I welcomed the report and I am in agreement with many of its recommendations. As the Deputy will be aware, earlier this year I published a draft of the national drugs strategy.”
“The Bill and the secondary legislation, training and clinical protocols that will follow it will support the terms and conditions for this service, as laid out in the community pharmacy agreement. All secondary legislation will be in place before commencement and launch of this measure.”
“No. I thank the Deputy again for her work on the drugs committee. The vast majority of the 161 recommendations will be in the new drugs strategy but one of the recommendations was on the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. It falls under section 3. That legalises drugs. It is important we tell the people of the concern.”
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“The aim is to achieve accessible and equitable cancer care for all adolescents and young adults in Ireland. A dedicated adolescent and young adult cancer service network, made up of four designated cancer centres, has been designed. These hospitals are CHI at Crumlin, St. James's University Hospital, Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Galway. The national cancer control programme has also developed and launched the national model of care for psycho-oncology services for children, adolescents and young adults with cancer. This model of care focuses on supporting children, young adults and their families with the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis. I thank the Deputy again. If he wants to give me more information and details on this, I will definitely bring it back to the Department of Health.”
“Survival rates for patients have improved greatly and OECD data shows cancer mortality rates in Ireland are falling faster than the EU 27 average and faster than our economic peers. Since 2017, significant funding of €105 million has been invested in the national cancer strategy, including €23 million in 2025. Since the beginning of the strategy in 2017, over 670 staff have been recruited to our national cancer services, including 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres. Funding in 2025 will support the recruitment of 179 additional staff in the national cancer screening and treatment services. The national cancer control programme launched A Framework for the Care and Support of Adolescent and Young Adults (AYA) with Cancer in Ireland 2021-2026 in May 2022.”
“Children’s Health Ireland, CHI, has advised that PET-CT scans are very accessible for children and young people with cancer in Ireland. CHI has advised it has a service level agreement with the Blackrock Clinic to provide paediatric PET-CT scans. CHI notes the service provided by the Blackrock Clinic is fast, efficient, and comprehensive. These scans are then read by CHI radiologists. CHI and the national cancer control programme confirmed all children and adolescents who need a PET-CT scan receive the service in Ireland, with the majority receiving scans in Dublin at the Blackrock Clinic and some receiving scans in Cork. This Government is committed to improving cancer care, ensuring better prevention and maintaining improvements in cancer survival rates and timely access to treatments.”
“I thank the Deputy for highlighting such a serious case for the child and her family. I am taking this question on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Scientifically advanced machines such as PET-CT scanners play a significant role in the diagnosing of cancers and other conditions. A PET scan shows how tissues and organs are functioning by detecting radioactive tracers that can show up parts of the body where cells are more active than normal. A CT scan provides detailed images of the body’s internal structure. These scans can give medical professionals more information about where the cancer is and if the cancer has spread to other tissues and organs. Together, they help doctors diagnose, stage and monitor diseases like cancer with greater accuracy.”
“The Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, are working with the Department on all necessary matters in order to get this sorted. I am grateful for the opportunity to provide an update.”
“All DDH cases are being reviewed by a single team, involving clinicians from all three sites, before any decision for surgery is made. Parents still have questions about whether their child's surgery met the proper standard, and the Minister is putting an expert panel in place to deal with this. Parents will be informed about the details of the process shortly. I am mindful that there are other relevant processes ongoing that are awaiting completion, the learning from which will feed into the future development of services. It is important that there is fundamental reform at CHI to ensure a multidisciplinary approach across all areas of medicine for which it is responsible. Patients and their families must have trust and confidence in the care they receive. A commitment has been given that the work is ongoing.”
“I accept that families still have many questions about their individual child's surgery, and are seeking answers on what the next steps will be for them following this audit. The first priority will be to recall all the children affected by the audit for a clinical review, to see how they are doing now and to make sure they do not have any complications from the surgery. It is critical that they get proper follow-up to the age of skeletal maturity, when their bones are fully grown and developed, which is typically between the ages of 12 and 16. Parents are due to receive personalised letters from the hospitals in the coming days about this. Processes have also been put in place since March to ensure safeguarding.”
“I begin by acknowledging the anxiety that many young patients and their families will be feeling this week as they read the report's findings on surgery for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip across CHI and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh. I can only imagine the distress and upset the families are experiencing. There is clearly an urgent need to establish why so many children received surgery when they did not need it. There must be accountability. I thank Mr. Thomas, the expert auditor, for his work on this report and for the recommendations he has suggested. The audit report and its recommendations have been accepted in full by CHI, Cappagh and the HSE, and the important work to implement these recommendations is already under way.”
“I am proud to stand here during National Biodiversity Week to reaffirm my own commitment and that of this Government and the Minister of State, who has been working hard visiting farmers, schools and different areas around the country. We must all continue working with colleagues across the House to turn plans into action and ambition into results. I look forward to a productive and solution-focused debate on how we can continue to strengthen Ireland’s efforts to protect and restore biodiversity.”
“Such programmes as Green Schools and the youth biodiversity networks instill a deep sense of environmental stewardship in the next generation, a generation that will carry forward the responsibility of protecting what we risk losing. With four days remaining in National Biodiversity Week I encourage everyone across this House and throughout the country to take part, attend an event and take time to appreciate the ecosystem that sustains us all. Biodiversity protection is not just a duty. It is an opportunity to create healthier communities, build resilience in the face of climate change and to leave behind a living, thriving natural heritage for future generations.”
“We are seeing real progress in restoring habitats, supporting species and promoting sustainable land use. I acknowledge the tireless efforts of so many local volunteers, environmental educators, NPWS staff, farmers and community leaders who are on the front line of the work every day. Their efforts are often unseen but they are essential. That is what it is all about - recognising the good work that is being done around Ireland. It is important that we give them the thanks and praise they deserve. As with everything, the people behind the scenes are doing the work and sometimes we forget to recognise them. Our schools and youth organisations also deserve recognition.”
“For those who like to get out and about, guided walks are available throughout the week. A series of bat walks is arranged for evening time and, in Kilkenny, a dusk chorus at the castle and a hands-on water sampling workshop at Kenny's Well. These offer people a chance to connect directly with nature and learn how to support it. These events are important and bring everybody together. It was great that we had such good weather all week. That encouraged people to go to as many events as possible. We cannot give the Minister the praise for that. This week also shines a light on the growing momentum behind Ireland's response to the biodiversity crisis through the work of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, in partnership with local authorities, landowners, communities and conservation organisers.”
“Families are participating in activities and what is called the backyard bioblitz. I am sure some Members are aware of that. There is also the biodiversity scavenger hunt. Importantly, this week also aligns with a number of international awareness days. Today we mark Natura 2000 Day, celebrating Europe's protected habitats. Tomorrow is the International Day for Biological Diversity, with this year's theme being harmony with nature and sustainable development. European Day of Parks, which will take place on 24 May, recognises the legacy of Europe's first national parks. In my own constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny there are inspiring examples of community engagement. In Carlow, daily guided tours at Altamont Gardens are drawing visitors, while the Carlow Beekeepers Association is sharing knowledge through online talks.”
“Organised by the Irish Environmental Network and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Biodiversity Week is a nationwide opportunity to reconnect with nature. It brings together community groups, NGOs and local authorities showing off all their showcases and the very best of Ireland's natural heritage through guided walks, hands-on workshops and citizen science projects. There is so much going on. As I said, there are 350 events this year. That is absolutely brilliant and to be welcomed. Events taking place include hedgerow and woodland walks, whale watching, bat surveys and biodiversity cycle tours. Children are being introduced to wildlife in their local parks and gardens. They are learning how to support pollinators. We now have gardeners doing courses and very much involved in this.”
“We are all making the effort through all the different sectors co-operating to meet goals. Biodiversity must be considered in housing, agriculture, transport and education and we must listen closely to those already doing this work on the ground. The Minister of State spoke about farmers, volunteers and local experts because they are key to real progress. Today is day six of National Biodiversity Week. It has seen a remarkable increase in participation, rising from 293 events last year to 350 this year. Over these ten days people of all ages throughout the country are engaging in activities that underscore the importance of biodiversity to our health, well-being and future.”
“Local authorities now have dedicated biodiversity officers, supported by national funding, who are helping to mainstream biodiversity in everything from planning to parks management. Community groups, especially in towns and villages, are stepping up to protect native species, create pollinator-friendly spaces and engage the next generation. This is work I have seen at first hand in constituencies across the country and it is part of why I care so deeply about this issue. Nature is not just something to be protected in chosen sites; it lives all around us and it thrives when we work together to care for it. Of course more must be done. The national biodiversity action plan gives us a strong framework, but I will make sustained efforts in cross-sector co-operation to meet its goals. This is what we are all doing, through the Minister.”
“Biodiversity loss is accelerating at home and around the globe, but as we mark this dedicated week of awareness and action, we also have reasons for hope because momentum is building not just in Government policy but also in the growing engagement of local communities, young people and other citizens. Through such initiatives as the local biodiversity action fund, the town centre first scheme and green infrastructure planning, we are supporting practical projects that restore nature while improving people's lives. These projects are not abstract. They mean cleaner rivers, safer flood plains, thriving pollinator populations and green public spaces that bring people together. Local government has a vital role to play.”
“We can all see how passionate the Minister of State is about National Biodiversity Week. I am pleased to follow my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, and to join this important discussion as we mark National Biodiversity Week. It is a key moment in our national calendar when we reflect on, celebrate and, most important, act to protect and restore Ireland's precious natural heritage. Throughout my time in public life, particularly during my work in housing, local government and community development, I have seen how deeply biodiversity is connected to people's lives. From how we plan and build our communities to how we manage our public spaces and support rural life, nature is part of the everyday fabric of Ireland. As the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, has outlined, the challenges we face are serious.”
“This is demonstrated by the work this Government is currently engaging in, and that is the work we will continue. I thank everyone. The motion is not being opposed.”
“I know there are the other changes and staffing challenges within the sector. That was also brought up this morning. The other thing, as Deputy Crowe has said, is that 98% of the workers are women. It is important, as the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, said, that we acknowledge today the work that carers throughout the country do. It is so important that we recognise that and work to deliver on what we have promised in the programme for Government. I acknowledge the input of all Deputies this morning. This is a vital area of work. It is clear to me that we are all motivated to ensure that services for older people are funded. That the services are funded and that carers are supported was a priority today. I echo my colleague, Deputy O'Donnell, by saying the Government is committed to delivering on this.”
“Investment in the nursing home support scheme - the fair deal scheme as we all know it - now stands at more than €1.2 billion. It has provided access to nursing home care to many people who will never have to pay more than they can afford. Legislative changes have taken place to expand the scope of the scheme, making the scheme more accessible for farm and business owners who require long-term residential care. I will highlight something a lot of my colleagues have spoken about. I have spoken about it myself through the years. A commitment to address means-testing is in the programme for Government, and I know it is crucial. I will go back to the Minister to speak about this. The issue of means-testing of carers is in the programme, and it is something we are committed to. I will highlight it with the Minister.”
“The future financing of home support will be an essential area of consideration in the new strategic scheme, or the strategy as we call it. The ESRI's imminent capacity review will help to inform levels of service provision required into the future. It will be a key piece of research for this work. The development of a reformed model of service delivery for home support is also under way. The HSE is in the process of procuring a comprehensive ICT system, which will facilitate robust monitoring and planning of HSE home support services. Initiatives exploring the effectiveness of home support and the rural provision of home support are being advanced, including research into the use of assistive technologies in home support. This is the way forward. The Government will continue to ensure the nursing home sector is funded.”
“I have seen in my own area how respite services are so important, and it is important we have those services there, including the home support emergency respite scheme. Addressing the challenges faced by care workers is also a priority for Government. The implementation of the recommendation of the strategic workforce advisory group has delivered significant reform in the care sector. This has included payment for travel time for home support providers, paying carers the national living wage at a minimum, and the allocation of work permits for home support workers. The work of the group will continue in 2025. Alongside this is the timely legislation being advanced to establish a licensing framework for professional home support services. Several supplementary work programmes are ongoing. This work seeks to address a variety of areas.”
“The group is chaired by the Department of Social Protection with members from the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The group will report its findings once finalised. As outlined by the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, through the carer's guarantee the Government has increased funding to support carers and to provide new training opportunities to support them in their caring roles. GP visit cards have been made available for those receiving a full- or half-rate carer's allowance or benefit. Funding has been approved under the women's health fund for a project to support mid-life and older women family carers. Respite continues to be a vital support for carers. The Government is committed to progressively increasing funding for respite services.”
“As a result, individuals have the choice to age in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and I thank them for efforts and expert care. Work is ongoing to ensure that carers throughout the country are supported. The care they provide is a key enabler for Government policy that supports people to live with dignity and independence at home for as long as possible. As such, it is crucial that supports for family carers are carefully considered. Recognising this, in March 2024, an interdepartmental working group examining supports for family and carers was established. The work of the group will be informed by a broader review of means-testing under way across a number of Departments.”
“I thank everyone for the opportunity to address the House on the issue raised by the Deputies who tabled this motion. I begin by echoing the opening remarks of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, and thank the Deputies for their constructive and positive contributions to this important motion on the issue of fair and sustainable funding for carers, home support and nursing home support schemes. I make the point, as did my colleague, that the motion is not being opposed. However, before speaking on Government commitments in this area, I take the opportunity to acknowledge the essential work of carers and front-line healthcare workers. Their exceptional diligence and dedication to deliver the highest quality care to some of our most vulnerable citizens is commendable.”
“As I said, I have spoken to families in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny and I have seen the hurt and pain. I assure the Deputy that the Minister is committed to this, as we all are. We will come back to her with more information. I thank the her. It is important that we work together on this and make sure that the children and families are to the forefront of this, and they will be.”
“I assure the Deputy that the Minister and the Department are taking this very seriously. This is very serious, and we know that. Nobody wants anyone, particularly those children or their families, to be in this position today. I can guarantee that the Minister is very conscious of the concern that will be felt by all the patients and families affected. The audit process is nearly complete and she has been advised that it will be finalised and completed soon. She will then be in a position to comment further once the audit is published. I assure the Deputy that the she is committed to this, as are all of us in the Department of Health. She is also committed to ensuring reform remains centred around putting children and their families at the very heart of this. I do understand.”
“However, I assure the Deputy that currently all cases for DDH are being reviewed by a single cross-site pre-operative decision-making process before any decision for surgery is made by clinicians from CHI at Crumlin, CHI at Temple Street and NOHC.”
“CHI and NOHC have issued letters to all patients and families who have had this procedure since 2010 to provide reassurance and information about the audit and to ensure all potential cases have been included. The total number of letters sent to date is 2,259. The majority, 1,757, have been from CHI, while 502 have been from Cappagh. The number of patients and families involved is subject to ongoing refinements due to clinical review. The HSE funds certain treatments in other EU member states and, as the Deputy knows, we have a similar scheme for the UK or Switzerland, when this treatment is not available in Ireland. As surgery for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip is available in Ireland, financial supports for treatment outside of the State are not available.”
“In addition, CHI is establishing an expert reference group, including international experts, to develop the standards and criteria for the MDT decision-making process for CHI. An early recommendation from the audit is that, in line with best practice, patients who have DDH surgery should have clinical follow-up at skeletal maturity. This is at about age 14 or 15, when bones have fully grown and developed. Clinical advice is that this follow-up is part of normal post-operative care. Plans are being put in place for patient follow-up in line with good practice and will consider any recommendations on clinical follow-up from the final report.”
“CHI and NOHC are committed to sharing the findings of the audit once it is completed. An action plan is currently being drafted in advance of the final audit report. This plan includes identification of groups of patients not included in the audit sample but who may be affected by any findings of the audit. A communications plan is being developed to support the publication of the final report and further communications to patients and families. As a patient safety precaution, a single cross-site pre-operative decision-making process for any planned DDH surgery in CHI and NOHC has been implemented. All cases are being reviewed before any decision for surgery is made by clinicians from CHI Crumlin, Temple Street and NOHC. This multidisciplinary team, MDT, commenced the first week of March 2025.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this very serious issue. I have spoken to families and I see the concern and hurt. It is important this is raised in the House. A clinical audit has been conducted by an external international expert on surgery for children with developmental dysplasia of the hip across CHI and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh, NOHC. The clinical audit involved a random anonymised sample of patients aged one to seven years of age who had pelvic osteotomy procedures for development dysplasia, DDH, from 2021 to 2023 in CHI and the NOHC. The purpose of this audit is to assess whether the indications and threshold used to select patients with DDH for pelvic osteotomy procedures were in keeping with international standards of practice. The audit process is at an advanced stage.”
“Non-emergency transport patient calls are planned for patients who require transport in a special converted taxi or minibus to attend pre-arranged medical appointments and who do not require a stretcher-equipped vehicle. The patient transport service was set up in 2013 on a discretionary basis by the HSE and provides non-emergency patient transport in south-east region hospitals. There is a budget there. I understand the Deputy's concerns. I will go back to the HSE and see whether it can be looked at. I understand there are vulnerable people out there. It is important to reiterate this is HSE-led. I thank the Deputy for highlighting the serious concerns he has raised.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising the issue and giving me the opportunity to update him on transport in County Tipperary. The Deputy mentioned the Red Cross, Order of Malta and Civil Defence, and it is important we pay tribute to the great work they do. They are excellent. It is important the Deputy recognised them and that we all recognise them. I assure the Deputy the HSE and Tipperary University Hospital are committed to providing high-quality service in response to local needs. Tipperary University Hospital has reviewed the eligibility criteria for the non-emergency patient transport service so the most in need and vulnerable patients can still access it.”
“The hospital robustly assesses patients’ eligibility and all patients must meet the revised criteria before being approved for the transport. It is actually done through the HSE. The assessment of a patient’s eligibility for the non-emergency patient transport service is determined by the local HSE service, which aims to provide for those most in need of access to this valuable service. The Government has invested significantly in Tipperary University Hospital and the budget for the hospital has increased from almost €81 million in 2020 to more than €122 million in 2025, representing a significant increase of 51% in that time. Staffing has increased by 25% since 2020 from 968 to 1,212. The cost of providing this important service has increased year on year and it is aimed at assisting those most in need.”
“The review of the eligibility criteria is aimed at preserving this valuable service in order that those most in need and vulnerable patients can access it. It is important to clarify that patients travelling for radiation therapy and chemotherapy will not be affected by these changes. There are a number of criteria that need to be taken into consideration by Tipperary University Hospital when assessing a patient’s eligibility to access the service, including the patient’s exceptional medical need, patient’s age - 75 years and older - mobility, appointment and so on. The Government fully acknowledges the concern and inconvenience for patients and their families that these changes at Tipperary University Hospital have caused. It continues to accommodate the patients most in need of this service in line with the revised eligibility criteria.”
“I thank the Deputy. What he raised this evening highlights an issue of concern. I want to give him an update on the patient transport service in County Tipperary. The patient transport service, which provides non-emergency patient transport for some patients in the south-east region, was set up in 2013. It was set up on a discretionary basis by the HSE for the region. Hospitals there were given a budget to provide limited transport for patients to attend other acute services. The cost of providing the non-emergency patient transport service has increased year on year. The cost for providing this service has grown from more than €88,000 in 2019 to more than €127,000 in 2024. Due to this continued increase, Tipperary University Hospital has had to review the eligibility criteria for patients applying for access to the service.”
“The motion is deferred for 18 months. It is not to stall restrictions. We need to work on this with the Department. The Government has committed to exploring restrictions on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, including the ban on their sale. I thank everyone. Everyone spoke about how this concerned the health and future of our children. I am committed, as is the Department. I hope to talk to everyone soon. As I said to Senator Keogan, I will meet her shortly. I have learned that everybody working together can achieve more, which is the aim going forward.”
“We will have a new obesity plan in 2026. I am committed to ensuring that the health of our young people is not compromised by any unhealthy food and drinks. We owe it to the next generation to take brave, evidence-based action where it is needed. We also need to give young people a voice. I look forward to working with colleagues across the House, health experts, academics, parents, educators and young people themselves as we deliver on a programme for Government commitment, which this was, to explore restrictions on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, including a ban on their sale to children. I thank Senators and everyone involved for this Private Members' Bill. I have no doubt that we are all in agreement that protecting our children from consumption of substances that can be harmful to their health is necessary.”
“We already have a range of policies and programmes in place to improve the health and wellbeing of young people in Ireland. Many policies and initiatives are under review or development. The Healthy Ireland framework is under review with a view to developing a new framework in the near future. A new national physical activity framework is due to be launched soon. The online health task force will be making recommendations to the Minister for Health later this year on how to ensure we safeguard our children in a digital world. We have to look at the digital world too. A new obesity policy is currently being developed as the current obesity policy and action plan draws to a close at the end of this year. It is under this plan that the sugar-sweetened drinks tax was introduced, so this will all come in.”
“Learning from the experience of those EU member states that have already implemented legislation to restrict or ban the sale of energy drinks to children will be important to us. At this point, it is too early to consider the draft legislation proposed in the Private Members' Bill, hence the Government's motion to defer the Second Reading for 18 months to allow time to carry out the necessary evidence gathering, research and examination of appropriate policy options and stakeholder engagement, including with the proposing Senator. I have the privilege of being the Minister of State with responsibility for health and wellbeing. I assure Senators that supporting, protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of our young people is a key priority for me in this Government. I can commit to that.”
“However, if we are to propose regulations to restrict or ban sales to children, such regulations will need to be robust, appropriate and based on the weighing up of the scientific evidence. Successful policy development will require consultation with key stakeholders, particularly those most impacted by energy drink consumption, and scientific experts. We will need to engage with children and young people themselves on this issue. Our undertaking is that we will talk to everyone. We have to get the experts in but we have to engage with children and young people. We need to make sure that we listen to them too. It may be that a range of policy options will be identified and the feasibility, enforceability, long-term position and negative impact of these will need to be assessed.”
“It is essential that a thorough assessment is carried out to evaluate any public health concerns with regard to energy drink consumption by children and young adults in Ireland and to determine appropriate policy measures. Policy measures to address public health concerns regarding energy drink consumption must be grounded in the best available scientific evidence. Adults can make informed decisions about their consumption but children are not miniature adults. Their developing bodies and brains are more vulnerable and they deserve our protection. Just as we limit their access to alcohol, tobacco and gambling, we may need to protect them from potential harms associated with the consumption of energy drinks.”
“Poland has also legislated for restrictions on labelling and sales through vending machines. Those member states supported those measures with national data. A commitment is included in the programme for Government to "explore restrictions on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, including a ban on their sale to children". The Department of Health is at the very early stages of considering the process by which we deliver on this commitment. I assure Senators that we will deliver on it. It might take 18 months to look at this but I assure Members that we are committed to safeguarding health and well-being and seeking what is best policy and practice to achieve that.”
“In 2015, the European Food Safety Authority, EFSA, published a scientific opinion on the safety of caffeine on foot of a request from the European Commission. It found that for children and adolescents, the information available is insufficient to determine a safe caffeine intake. EFSA therefore based its recommendation for maximum caffeine intake on the adult level of 3 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight per day. We need to undertake research at a national level to better understand the consumption patterns of children and young adults in Ireland with regard to energy drinks in order to inform policy options. We have spoken about the situation in other EU member states. Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Hungary have introduced legislation banning the sale of energy drinks to persons aged under 18.”
“1169 of 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, the European Commission set out the requirement that products containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre, other than tea and coffee, must be labelled with the caffeine content and the statement: "High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breast-feeding women." Energy drinks are generally covered by this regulation. There is some scientific evidence that has increasingly linked energy drink consumption in children to a range of adverse health outcomes, including elevated blood pressure, sleep disturbance, behavioural issues, all of which are concerns mentioned by Senators, and, in some cases, cardiovascular complications. This evidence will need to be examined closely.”
“This suggests that the more recent increase in energy drinks consumption is largely related to low- or no-calorie energy drinks that fall below the sugar-sweetened drinks tax thresholds. One of the conclusions of the evaluation of the tax was that the consumption of energy drinks merited further examination, given the significant increase in consumption and possible public health concerns regarding the stimulant components of energy drinks. There are some concerns around the consumption of energy drinks by children, pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers. In EU Regulation No.”
“However, the exception to this reduction has been energy drinks, which have seen a marked increase in consumption since 2020. The average amount consumed each year between 2009 and 2020 was less than 30 million l. Between 2021 and 2023, however, the amount of energy drinks consumed jumped to more than 40 million l per year. Energy drinks now represent over 10% of total carbonate consumed in Ireland every year. A worrying trend was that the initial increase in energy drink consumption was accompanied by a significant increase in sugar consumption between 2018 and 2021. However, the sugar consumption from energy drinks has declined since 2021 even as general energy drink consumption increased.”
“However, before considering introducing restrictions, it is important to fully understand the potential harmful impact of consumption of these drinks on children's health and the level of consumption in Ireland by young people, and to fully consider all appropriate policy options. That is the aim. I met the Senator and I have said I would be delighted to work with her and anyone in the Chamber who wants to meet me. There will be absolutely no problem in that regard. The evaluation of the sugar-sweetened drink tax, published in September 2024, found there had been a decrease in carbonated drinks consumption and in the sugar consumption associated with carbonated drinks in Ireland since the introduction of the tax in 2018.”