Update: Sugar tax to come into effect on May 1

Update 5.35pm: The sugar tax will come into effect on May 1 after the European Commission approved the levy today.

It will apply to water and juice-based drinks with too much added sugar.

The tax was announced in the last budget to tackle obesity and other sugar-related diseases.

Statistics show that one in four children is either overweight or obese in Ireland.

Earlier: European Commission approves sugar tax proposal

The European Commission has approved Ireland's proposed sugar tax announced in the last Budget.

The Commission says the tax on soft drinks is consistent with the government's health objectives to tackle obesity and other sugar-related diseases.

The decision paves the way for the levy to be introduced here.

- Digital desk