Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is very welcome to the committee. I thank her for the comprehensive opening statement. It is very welcome that the percentage of people smoking regularly has been reduced to 18%. We have done quite well in leading the way at European level in terms of the smoking ban. I am concerned about the proliferation of vaping, however. I spoke to the Australian minister for disability last summer. In Australia, a person must have a prescription to buy a vape. It has taken a zero tolerance approach to vaping. I know the Oireachtas recently brought in legislation on vaping and the Minister at the time committed to further action in dealing with the scourge of these vape shops on all towns, villages and cities. It is clear there is an issue with them. When can we expect further legislation on this matter? If the Minister of State does not have an answer now, I ask her to revert to us on the matter.

I refer to collaboration with NGOs and sporting organisations. It is clear they have a major role to play in supporting, encouraging and actioning Healthy Ireland. I have no doubt there is an understanding among sports organisations that it needs to be a priority. In one way, people who are involved in sport probably do not suffer from obesity, but it is about reaching those who are not involved. As community-based organisations, clubs and other organisations have a responsibility to reach out. In particular, there are GAA clubs in every town, village and parish in the country. What engagement have the Minister of State and her officials had with the GAA?

The percentage of obesity and lack of physical activity is probably far higher among people who have disabilities. Traditionally, people with disabilities have not been very active. That is changing, but it is not changing fast enough. More often than not, people who have various forms of disabilities suffer from a lack of physical activity. Has the Department engaged with the National Disability Authority to come up with templates and toolkits? Has it engaged with disability NGOs to see if there is collaboration at that level to address this issue?