Ms Cliona Loughnane:

This is a matter about which the Irish Heart Foundation is very concerned. In 2007 we compiled a study in respect of the products available in schools. At that time confectionery was being sold in 75% of schools. When one discusses this issue with school authorities, they state that they need the money they obtain through the sale of those products. We have carried out research, which will be published in September, in respect of the type of food being provided in schools. I will be in a position to provide to the Senator further information on this matter at that stage. The HSE is considering a policy in respect of vending machines whereby some of the products it is possible to obtain would be changed. The Irish Heart Foundation would like all of these machines to be removed. That is one of the reasons we advocate the establishment of a children's future health fund. We are of the view that some of the revenue generated by a sugar-sweetened drinks tax should be put into developing the other policies that are required with regard to tackling obesity. One such policy would involve removing all vending machines from schools. It might be necessary in this regard to allocate additional funding to schools in order to meet any shortfall which might occur.

Those in the food industry state that they do not advertise to children under the age of 12 on television. However, there is massive advertising of certain products in sports facilities in which large numbers of children congregate. At some point the food industry will be obliged to examine its behaviour in this area, particularly in the context of sugar-sweetened drinks products.