Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Following on from Deputy Catherine Byrne's excellent series of questions, why is it that so much processed food is cheaper than unprocessed foods such as vegetables or bread? I would like our guests to provide an answer because there is something to what the Deputy says.

I was very interested in the remarks on education which obviously has a bearing on this issue. As a former teacher, I am very much aware of the limits of education in getting through to people. It is only part of what is required. We must ban the advertising of unhealthy foods to children. In Sweden there is a general ban on advertising all products - not just foods - to children. This is because advertising is regarded as an abuse of children who are not so well able to assess what they see and hear in advertisements. I would be interested in hearing our guests' comments on that matter. What are their views on the suggestion companies which are allowed to advertise unhealthy foods should be obliged to direct funding towards the advertising of healthy foods?

I appreciate Mr. Macey's comments on various unhealthy foods which do not attract a high rate of VAT. I may mention this matter to the relevant Ministers. I accept that in closing the gaping hole in our finances any moneys collected via the imposition of a higher VAT rate on these foods would only be a pittance. However, I remain of the opinion that charging a higher rate would be worthwhile.

I accept that there is need for legislation in this area. What are our guests' views on how comprehensive such legislation should be?