Pat O'Neill (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That was where I was going with my next question. Over seven years, 14 companies in the industry have provided €2 million. I am disappointed that more names are not on that list.

When funding is lacking, it is difficult to get the message out. This committee has an onus. As Dr. Cullen stated, the Nutrition and Health Foundation, NHF, does not make recommendations on any product. It is neutral. However, it would be of the utmost benefit to us. I am new to this committee in that I have only been a member for one and a half years and am only now discovering that something like the NHF, which relates to the nation’s health, is underfunded.

I do not know what interaction the NHF has with the HSE or the Department of Education and Skills or the Department of Health. Do they provide funding to convey this message? Relaying it would benefit the country. Obesity is a problem in other countries and we are destined for the same, given people’s lifestyles.