Ms Janis Morrissey:

On the banning of vending machines, the reduction in calorie intake may appear insignificant but it is clinically significant if sustained over time. We are discussing vending machines in the broader context of the whole school environment. We deal with schools across the country in terms of their food provision and we know that what children learn on the curriculum is absolutely fine but the issues arise when they walk out of the classroom. There is a disconnect between what children learn and what they experience within the school setting and outside the school gates, as we have discussed in terms of no-fry zones. There is a huge opportunity to improve the school setting. We have carried out research on the nature of food provision in schools. There is currently a lack of guidance and support for schools in terms of what should be provided. We welcome the recent publication by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection of nutrition standards for school meals but we believe that should be extended to all schools and all types of food provision. It addresses one small element of a far broader issue. Our research shows that there is significant production of hot snacks such as panini, sausage rolls, pizza slices, chips and so on in schools. Chicken fillet rolls are very prevalent. Healthy options may be available but the vast majority of food available in schools are items such as chicken fillet rolls, pizza slices, etc. Unfortunately, the funding available to schools does not cover the purchase of equipment that might facilitate the school providing more home cooked and nutritious foods.

Engagement in PE has been dropping for a long time, particularly by teenage girls, for several reasons, one of which is the traditionally competitive nature of PE and that it has focused on team-based sports and competitive activities which are not typically attractive to girls of that age. We have been working with PE trainers in Dublin City University, DCU, the University of Limerick and University College Cork, UCC, to support PE teachers to deliver the curriculum in a broader and more inclusive fashion which also focuses on non-competitive activities such as dance, aerobics, yoga and so on because it is very important to maintain teenagers interest and activity levels in this area.