Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Wednesday, 21 March 2018
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs
Tackling Childhood Obesity: W82GO! Weight Management Service
9:30 am
Dr. Grace O'Malley:
We tend to expect more and maybe have less tolerance for the word "no". I am not referring to our patients. I mean all of us, as a society.
The Deputy referred to a nanny state. If we had not adopted such a view to the tobacco industry then we would not be in the good situation that we enjoy now. I personally think if we are looking after vulnerable people one wants a nanny. One wants someone who is qualified, knows what he or she is doing and has the best interests of the vulnerable person at heart. It seems I have a different perspective about the nanny state. I believe it is necessary if we want to protect public health.