"...there is as yet no evidence of the [sugar] taxes contributing to falling obesity levels or lowering average body mass index..."

The Question: Are taxes on sugary drinks effective?

Michael Noonan announced a tax on sugary drinks on the same day as the World Health Organisation made its case

"Invariably, the mountain of data related to these limited experiences with the sugar taxes are open to interpretation and dispute, and while there is as yet no evidence of the taxes contributing to falling obesity levels or lowering average body mass index, the taxes haven’t been in place long enough to establish their long-term health benefits."