Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Before I go to committee members, I will make a few comments. It was very interesting to listen to all the contributions. We can see recurring themes in what the witnesses have said. My first comments are for Ms Heneghan. I am very familiar with St. Conleth's, which is a very good school. Were there any issues regarding insurance? This is something we would need to know. We are dealing with a societal pressurised area regarding eating fast food and healthy food. Ms Heneghan commented on advertising fast food in school grounds. We should certainly ask the Department to ensure this absolutely does not happen. It was very interesting to hear what Healthy Kidz had to say. What are the fees for participation? Are these raised by the school community or is there an extra fee on parents with children in the schools that participate? It is great the parents are involved because this is key. The witnesses said this is something they want to do with regard to the Food Dudes programme. Are there any proposals on involving the parents?

My next point is for the Department of Education and Skills. With regard to vending machines and having water in every school, surely at this stage having vending machines in schools that give crisps, chocolate and sweets is absolutely wrong and should not happen. Every school should have access to free drinking water. It is great that nine new health promotion officers have been appointed nationally and they can link in with schools on nutrition and dietetics, but it must be a concern that there is not great take up of the active school flag. Are there any plans to try to ensure more schools participate?