Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Many of the issues have been discussed already at the Joint Committee on Climate Action, and Mr. Lumley quoted from the report. I want to refer to the issue of veganism. I accept that veganism as a lifestyle choice is valid and that people can get a balanced die from veganism. In fact, veganism was on the go before global warming, climate change and climate action became buzzwords. However, I object to an agenda of pushing veganism on people. In particular, I believe it was a step too far to promote veganism in a school pack to children. I say that for a couple of reasons. I refer to children's consumption of meat and their daily meals with their parents. Most parents are trying to feed their children in a balanced way. Everyone accepts that we need a balanced diet and that one can eat too much meat. One can eat too much of many foods, bar greens and so on. A bigger problem is processed foods and sugars being linked with the acceleration of cancers, etc. However, aside from that, the witnesses are pushing veganism on children, as a morally superior choice, in a situation where many children might not even know how to become vegan, although it might be something they want to pursue.

In my experience we have an increasing number of children who have eating disorders, are bordering on having an eating disorder or have a very confused relationship with food. I spoke with somebody in the HSE today who was not too impressed with An Taisce's proposals. It is not its domain to step into that area. That is a matter between the Department of Health and the parents who make decisions in regard to their children. An Taisce should not push veganism as a better lifestyle or something that will make one become a better person. These children can be dealt with by their parents and, in respect of their nutrition and balanced diets, through the health system. The witness can smile or do whatever he wants but a bus load of 50 retired women came to Leinster House today from my town of Ballina and they all thought it was a step too far. Anybody one speaks to believes An Taisce is going to a place it should not be going. We have many vulnerable and impressionable children who need to be taught about sustainability. We do not want them to be taught about their diet and their requirement to save the planet by the likes of An Taisce giving out information when that is not its expertise. I object to it. An Taisce has gone too far in regard to it. I object to that agenda being pushed.