Mr. Liam McCorry:

The problem in society is the inactivity of everyone which is leading to obesity problems. That is why we created this comprehensive programme. Up to 25% of kids going into primary school are classified as obese while 35% of children leaving primary school are classified not only as obese but having no basic movement skills. Obviously, something is not working inside and outside of school. That is why we created this comprehensive programme. This is not a PE gimmick programme but involves every child. From our research of a class of 30 children, the first ten kids are the normal sporting ones who play Gaelic football, rugby or soccer, or their families are associated and they follow their family members.

As a result of the Healthy Kidz programme, these children and their attitudes have been shown to be far fitter. That is the response of coaches, parents and schoolteachers. The second ten children are those who have great potential but, perhaps because their parents are not associated with sport, they are in a sort of limbo. The Healthy Kidz programme is now encouraging those children to begin physical activity. The last ten are the children who come from very difficult backgrounds or children with disabilities. Every one of those children is engaging with the Healthy Kidz programme. That is the difference we are making. As coaches, we are seeing that difference. As Mr. Creery said, in no class has there been one child sitting out the physical activity. Some 85% of children in Ireland are not getting 60 minutes of daily activity. The Healthy Kidz programme addresses that problem. We also include the parents in this. The app, the fourth part of the programme, encourages parents to get involved with their children outside school. All activity is recorded on the app. Every child involved in the programme last year got a full physical report for what he or she did inside school and outside.

Where do we want to go with this? We want the main agencies in health, education and communities to come together to make this stronger and better. We would like a full physical activity report and physical literacy report for every child at the end of the school year. The only way that can be achieved is by everybody coming together.