Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their informative engagement with the joint committee. Is there adequate time for incorporating healthy living initiatives and activities within the 183 days that make up the primary school year? Mr. Ward spoke about the national school curriculum and the amount of time children spend in school. I was a member of the board of management of my local school for many years. We are fortunate to have an all-weather pitch adjacent to the school which is part of the GAA club and available for use by the students. It is great to see the level of activity there, involving both boys and girls. There is a great deal happening throughout the country in children's sport, including Gaelic football, soccer, rugby and karate.

I was very impressed by what Mr. Creery and Mr. McCorry had to say. I very much welcome their suggestion of bringing their programme of events for schools south of the Border. Both male and female children can get involved in tag rugby, Gaelic football and other sports and participation is usually open to all age groups. It is vital that we begin incorporating these activities into the school curriculum. I am involved with the local soccer club, Strand Celtic FC. Some years back, the club introduced a rule under which children participating in club activities could only bring water with them. Under no circumstance were sugary drinks, crisps or sweets to be permitted.

If children brought them, they were confiscated and they were either sent home or the parents brought in. The club has in the region of about 500 children from all age groups. They are participating in activities at all levels and the club has been very successful. The parents know what the conditions are. This is what should be done. I am actively involved in GAA, soccer and rugby clubs in my constituency of Sligo-Leitrim. I see what success this club has had. At the beginning, children were going home complaining to their parents that they were not allowed the drinks. I am sure Mr. Mitchell will see the same thing in his activities in Athlone. This is the way forward. It is the biggest scourge for young people at present. There will be health issues at a later stage. I am sure Dr. Murrin has outlined them. Young people have enough pressures on them without the issues we are talking about today.

Ms Heneghan mentioned playgrounds. I know of playgrounds, not only in schools but also provided by local authorities, that have been withdrawn because of the insurance issues. There have been a number of claims over the years and many issues. It is another problem in many schools. She is right when she says all we have is a small piece. Some schools are lucky enough to have a big area. Others I have visited in my constituency have very small areas. Some of it is in grass, which cannot be used much of the time, and the other area is a small bit of tarmacadam. There is no room for activities, which have to take place within the school building. If the school is lucky enough to have a sports hall or whatever, that is good. However, that does not happen in many cases in rural schools, either. I would like the witnesses' advice on that.

I was very impressed with the presentations by Mr. Creery, Mr. McCorry and Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Ward mentioned the curriculum and perhaps he might expand on that. Healthy food is certainly the way forward. We are talking about vegetables and various other things. Chips and all these fast foods are being put in front of some children and we have got to get away from that. The parents have a huge responsibility for educating children at a very young age that the way forward is healthy eating. Mr. Neary from Bord Bia is quite right in that regard.