Cavan Senator Sarah O'Reilly has welcomed a new Bill brought forward to the Seanad that aims to ban the sale of high energy drinks to under 18's.
The Energy Drinks Bill, by Independent Senator Sharon Keoghan and Co signed by Senator O'Reilly, addresses growing public concern around the sale of the popular drinks to young people and the health risks associated with them.
The Bill aims to prohibit the sale of stimulant drinks to young people under the age of 18 as well as restricting advertising to this cohort, while ordering that clear health warnings on any potential health risks caused by excessive consumption be clearly visible on their packaging at points of sale.
The Aontú Senator says high energy drinks are a multi-million-euro industry, and they are heavily marketed and promoted to young consumers.
With almost 40 different brands on sale in this country at the moment which contrasts sharply with the range available in past years, Senator O'Reilly says young people are attracted to them due to their promise of energy giving properties and believe they help in their quest for fitness.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Senator O'Reilly says these stimulant drinks are linked to adverse health effects, including insomnia, increased anxiety and digestive issues all of which are deeply disturbing:
