Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Dr. Shannon for being here. I would remind Deputy Troy that Fianna Fáil was in government for over 30 years since the foundation of the State, yet the current Government was the first to create a Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in Cabinet. This Government was also the first to address the Magdalen laundry issue. The Deputy should therefore consider what he is saying here.

I have a few questions. In what way does Dr. Shannon think obesity can be addressed through education in schools? Does he believe in pre-natal care and that enough promotion is given to mothers to breast-feed? If not, why not? What does he think needs to be done in this regard?

As adults we eat what we like, but children do not. They eat what is put in the shopping basket or supermarket trolley, and then provided for them at home. The grocery sector is very commercial at the moment. One can buy a bag of carrots for 49 cent compared to a tin of carrots for €1.79. The whole process of preparing food is a turn-off for some parents, but home-cooking can make a huge difference in children's lives. There is a great opportunity for children to be fed well in this country.

At the opposite end of the scale we once had a presentation here about food. I was struck by the fact that the person giving the presentation said people should eat more fish. However, it can cost €7 to purchase a fish. Many people are not in a position to buy fish for their children. Poultry is one of the biggest selling foods around the world, including this country. As an island nation, there are plenty of fish around. The price of fish in supermarkets is astronomical, yet we are asking people on very low incomes to feed their children properly. Hopefully, however, things are changing.

I wish to comment on breast-feeding. I have three grandchildren who were born in the last four years. I never breast-fed any of my children and never felt the need to do so. They all turned out healthy. Some of them are fanatical about their health while others, like me, can put on a bit of weight and lose it again. I often asked them why breast-feeding turns them off. One of them recently said to me, "Mam, when I look at the television and see poor children in some countries hanging out of those withered breasts, it turns me off". I believe that is down to our psyche. It comes from a religious upbringing in this country and the requirement to behave modestly. We need to change our attitude towards young people. When one goes into a café in town to have a cup of tea, one might see a poor girl breast-feeding with a blanket over her child's head. It is ridiculous carry on.

I thank Dr. Shannon for his presentation. It is always interesting when he comes before this committee.