Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2012
664. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health his views, in view of the increase in obesity and the associated negative health effects on the introduction of a tax on sugar sweetened beverages, some of which contain a person's entire World Health Organisation recommended daily allowance of sugar in one single portion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54446/12]
View answerGiven the increases in obesity, especially in children and teenagers, and the links between obesity and chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk. I am considering a range of measures to halt this increase. I am aware that is evidence that Sugared Sweetened Drinks contribute to weight gain because of their high added sugar content, low satiety, and potential incomplete compensation for total energy, leading to increased energy intake. The World Health Organisation has serious concerns over the high and increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks by children in many countries. Children who drink one regular carbonated drink a day have an average 10% more total energy than non-consumers. It has been estimated that each additional can or glass of sugar-sweetened drink that children consume every day increases the risk of becoming obese by 60%.
For these reasons, I have been considering a Sugar Sweetened Drinks levy and the need to provide an evidence base. I asked my Department to establish a Steering Group to oversee the carrying out a Health Impact Assessment on the health and economic aspects of introducing a Sugar Sweetened Drinks levy. The Health Impact Assessment Report has been completed and was presented to me recently by the Special Action Group on Obesity. I am considering the results of the Health Impact Assessment and recommendations of the Special Action Group on Obesity and am using them as part of the decision making process regarding any possible introduction of a levy on sugar-sweetened drinks.
