Energy drink ban needs to be fast-tracked, say Fianna Fáil politicians

Fianna Fáil TD Martin Daly and Senator Teresa Costello have said that a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children must be fast-tracked, following research published by Safefood. 

The Fianna Fáil Spokespeople for Health said that the report highlighted the negative effects energy drinks can have, particularly on children. 

The research found that consumption was highest among 15- to-24-year-olds, with more than half surveyed drinking energy drinks at least once a week, and 12% consuming them every day.

Among parents of children under 18, over 10% reported that their child drinks energy drinks at least weekly.

Despite high consumption, 97% were aware that energy drinks can negatively affect sleep, concentration, and mood, particularly in children and young people. 

Daly, TD for Roscommon-Galway and a qualified GP, said the widespread availability and marketing of high-caffeine energy drinks to young people is a growing public health concern. 

“These drinks are often marketed as products that improve energy, focus, and performance. However, many contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can negatively affect children and young people in particular,” he said.

Daly warned that “awareness alone is not enough to influence behaviour.” 

More than three in four people support introducing age restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to children.

Dublin South-West Senator Teresa Costello said the findings demonstrate a clear public mandate for stronger action to protect children from the health risks associated with energy drinks.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

“The report highlighted the strong public support for restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to children,” she said.

“Fianna Fáil’s manifesto committed to introducing a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children – that is now a Programme for Government commitment. We must fast-track this,” Senator Costello said.