Ms Cliona Loughnane:

It is important to state that we are advocating a sugar-sweetened drinks tax. It is not a sugar tax, per se. The Nevin Economic Research Institute examined the household budget survey in order to discover how much people spend - approximately €3 to €4 - each week on these products. Introducing a tax that would increase the price by 20% - this is what we are seeking because we believe it to be necessary to encourage people to reduce their levels of consumption - would lead to an increase of 67 cent to 83 cent in the amount households spend on these products each week. It would, therefore, still be a small amount in the context of a household budget. We are, however, conscious that 10% of the population is living in food poverty at present. We do not believe it is acceptable to raise prices on unhealthy products without helping people to access healthier products. In that context, a fruit and vegetable subsidy seems like a very good idea to us. One of the reasons for that is that there are schemes already in place which could be bolstered by funding which would come from this tax revenue. We have in mind schemes such as the school fruit scheme, which is offered through the CAP, in this regard. This scheme is not fully funded to schools and it is only available for a very short period. What we are talking about is allowing schools to have access to free fruit during the entire academic year.
Trying to build on structures that are already in place is the easiest way to develop models. In that context, the Department of Social Protection is already providing a school meal programme. However, many DEIS schools are finding it difficult to access the programme because it does not meet any capital or staffing costs. In light of the reduction in the number of people on community employment schemes who might have worked in this area previously, it is very difficult for schools to get involved. We are of the view that breakfast clubs could be developed throughout the country. One is six children does not have breakfast on any given weekday. We recognise that people are living in food poverty and that they need to be able to access a nutritious diet.