Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 18 April 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs

Tackling Childhood Obesity: Discussion

9:30 am

Professor Donal O'Shea:

Yes. That is encouraging frequent visits, larger portion size and going online for a flutter. The promotional material says it is not for those aged 16 or under but 13 year olds and 14 year olds are going around to look at trays that they can pick stickers off so that they can go online and they say that it is okay because McDonald's does not care about age. The prize budget is €1.5 million for six weeks. The Healthy Ireland fund last year was €5 million for the year. That is one retailer. It is genius on its part but it goes against all the public health messages we are trying to promote.