Department of Health sought 27% tax hike on sugary drinks

Submission for finance minister said the exchequer take from the sugar tax was running at around €30m per year

The Department of Health said while manufacturers had cut sugar levels in their drinks, demand had been rising for more unhealthy energy beverages.

The Department of Health wanted to hike the tax on sugary drinks by more than a quarter in the budget because of a sharp rise in the sale of energy drinks.

The department was looking for a 27% increase in the tax levied on soft drinks saying it was needed to keep up with inflation.