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

I thank all the witnesses for their presentations.

I thank Mr. White for reminding me about my remarks on advertising and children and, in a sense, prodding me to pursue the matter further. Deputy Catherine Byrne has touched on an aspect of the issue that is critical where children are concerned. I spent many years as a teacher and noticed a change in children’s approach to life. It now tends to be much more sedentary than it was, even to the extent they would come up to me in the schoolyard to tell me they were bored and ask what they should do next. When I was a child, I do not remember asking that question. How can we encourage a more active lifestyle among children and their parents? Some solutions would be basic such as walking to school and so forth.

Is it the case that good wholesome food is more expensive than processed foodstuffs which are promoted so much? My suspicion is that it is to a degree. There is a job of work for those with the authority to do so, including ourselves, to do more to indicate to children what is an appropriate amount of food to consume. I appreciate that the food pyramid is to be found in most classrooms, but it might need to be developed more in pointing out what would be a suitable breakfast, lunch and evening meal. Similar presentations should be made available for adults.