Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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I thank the witnesses for their presentations. We have had many deliberations already about the need for a multi-faceted approach to this problem. Part of me worries that we are over-analysing and over-complicating the problem. I never thought I would refer to Ms Ann Widdicombe in this context, but she said that she would love to write a book on obesity and losing weight but the only problem was that the book would only have four words - exercise more, eat less. While it is very important that we analyse the issues involved, we must remember the fundamentals underpinning this.

While I welcome much of the presentation from the food and drink industry and its positivity, I found it very difficult to see the tangible actions that the industry proposes to deal with the problem. Reference was made to active engagement, partnership and so forth and we all agree that working together is important. I would like to hear a little more on what the industry proposes we should do, apart from labelling.

Given my background, I am particularly concerned about advertising and marketing to children. Reference was made to a voluntary reduction in such advertising and I would like to know where that figure came from. Who conducted the research? We all know that with voluntary codes the good companies sign up while those at whom the codes are aimed do not, with the result that we do not solve the problem. Unfortunately, to get things done, we all need deadlines and we all need to feel someone is looking over our shoulder. I fully support the advertising ban and believe the Irish Heart Foundation is being quite moderate in asking for the ban to be in place from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. I would go further.

The argument about cheese is being used as a red herring in the debate. It is all about moderation. Certainly there are some wonderful Irish cheeses on the market but the issue is about cheese products directly aimed at children. Such products are highly processed and include squeezy and stringy cheeses. Where is the nutritional value in such products? We need to be a little careful with some of the red herrings in the argument. Of course a balanced diet is essential but we must look at the specific products that are causing concern. I am interested in the view of the Irish Heart Foundation on the question of cheese because it is constantly raised in debates with this committee.

I note that in the foundation's presentation it is argued that only 20% of children consume the recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables. The special action group on obesity reminded us of data from the Growing Up In Ireland Survey from 2011 which found that one in four children, as young as three, are overweight or obese. That is a startling fact. We must demystify this whole discussion and get down to the basics. We can have an ongoing debate the issue of obesity but the fact that this generation of children will have a shorter life span than their parents means that we, as decision makers and legislators, must act.

Including a calorie count on menus is an excellent idea and can inform one's choices and influence one's eating decisions. However, I was surprised when I was in New York during the summer to discover that a restaurant must have 15 branches before it is required to list calories on its menus. We are often told that New York is doing it and so should we but there is a cost to restaurants. How does the delegation suggest we tackle that?