Mr. D.O. O'Connor:

When we launched Super Troopers four years ago, approximately 10% of all primary schools took part in a pilot programme. The programme has evolved in the intervening years to the point where almost 250,000 children in 1,500 schools, 15,000 teachers and 162,000 families are taking part. We know that Super Troopers works. Independent research carried out by the health psychologist Professor David Hevey from Trinity College Dublin has found that the programme has been successful in improving healthy behaviours among families. I will briefly outline some of the research findings. We can share the findings of much more research with members, if they wish. It found that 93% of parents had confirmed an increase in children's daily activity levels; 85% of parents had observed increased physical activity at home; 75% of parents had indicated that their child spoke more about his or her feelings; 63% of parents had indicated that their children were eating more fruit and vegetables; and 86% of teachers and 78% of parents had indicated that they would recommend the programme. Almost half of primary schools take part in Super Troopers and our ambition is to extend the programme to all primary schools. We hope we have given members a sense of what it entails and will be pleased to answer their questions.