Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the European Regional Obesity Report 2022, the WHO recommended a range of population interventions that focus broadly on diet, physical activity and the food environment, many of which Ireland is currently following. One of these recommendations is to adopt a childhood obesity surveillance initiative, COSI, model of surveillance. The results of the most recent round of COSI, which is the sixth round for Ireland, were published a few weeks ago. They showed that the rates of childhood obesity in Ireland have stabilised, and I have said this already. This is a welcome sign and offers some proof that the wide range of policies that are being implemented are having a positive effect in halting the increase in obesity rates in children. Now, the evaluation is looking at the next report. I will go back to Deputy Shortall’s earlier questions about legislation. This is a matter of looking at how the current programme has worked and then seeing what we need to do in the future. That may very well involve legislation, but the codes to which I referred earlier are being followed through.

Likewise, Coimisiún na Meán is a statutory body that has powers and will be able to regulate advertising. It can deal with instances where a product that is being marketed has adverse immediate or long-term effects, if it is not healthy, or if it has long-term, detrimental effects on a person's health. Under its current powers, Coimisiún na Meán would be able to make sure that advertising is stopped. A lot of positive things are happening.

On childhood obesity, we must look at follow-on care and the need for more expertise in that area so we can give assistance to families. The Cathaoirleach mentioned how a dietician is not available in his area and that is extremely important. This is about making sure we can get the people to fill those roles. As I said, we have already employed 18 people under a particular programme for the whole area of diet, etc., so progress has been made in recruiting additional people.

I think Dr. Walsh wants to speak about CHO 7.