Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their presentations. My chief concern is that policy in this area should be inclusive. There is very good practice in various places, some of which has been described. The challenge is in extending it to all children in all schools. Mr. Ward spoke about the Active School Flag programme which is very helpful in increasing participation in a school by ensuring there is a range of activities to suit all pupils, not just for those who are good at sports and very fit. Should there be a directive from the Department of Education and Skills in that regard? It is a fantastic programme, but it is optional. There should be a way of encouraging as many schools as possible to participate. Will Mr. Ward and the other delegates also comment on how we can ensure such initiatives are inclusive of children with disabilities?

Senator Lynn Ruane spoke about children who might be embarrassed about being overweight and have issues with joining in physical activities. How do we ensure such children can participate without feeling uncomfortable and inferior to their classmates? No child should feel fitness and healthy living are things in which they cannot participate. I am interested in comments in that regard from any of the delegates.

My next question is primarily for the two researchers from UCD and relates to the differences in outcomes between children from disadvantaged schools and those from non-disadvantaged schools and also between girls and boys. In terms of patterns that have been identified, to what extent would the delegates say we need to encourage earlier intervention? In other words, to what extent are patterns already established when children begin their education? I am referring more to eating habits than physical activity and the degree to which it is reasonable to expect schools to be able to counteract what is going on at home. The committee is concerned with education matters, but I am strongly of the view that education in this area must begin at home when children are very young and that schools can only do so much. Should we be encouraging and promoting parental involvement in these issues rather than expecting all of the educating to be done during school hours?

My final question is to the officials from the Department. The Wellbeing programme at junior cycle is a very positive initiative. Is there a way to ensure some of the lessons of that programme are referred back into the primary system? We should be copying that programme's focus on positive as opposed to negative messages into the broader primary school curriculum in order that more children will benefit and at a younger age.