Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a complex area and research is key, which is being carried out an ongoing basis in respect of this, but the Deputy is correct to say we need to improve data collection. There are a number of campaigns and it is not just one area. A multimedia campaign, for example, will begin in mid-April, involving the roll-out of media on many social media outlets. It is to raise awareness regarding the food that surrounds all of us and get people to re-evaluate the food that is marketed to us and the omnipresence of unhealthy food choices at every turn. Moreover, the campaign will use compelling cases to educate the public on the harm and impact of the food environment.

On the wider issue of obesity itself, there are sometimes misconceptions about obesity and what can cause it. It is not just about exercising more and eating less. We rolled out some very good evidence-based campaigns targeting 24- to 34-year-olds last year, which highlighted how stress levels and getting enough sleep can affect a person's weight. This is new information for a lot of people. I agree it is not just one area. It is about eating healthily, exercising more, looking at GP practices, raising awareness among all our stakeholders, informing the public and having debates such as we are having today throughout the Oireachtas to raise awareness about the significant impacts on our health. It is not just about food and exercise. It is also about genetics and many other issues that affect people's weight and can cause them to be overweight.