Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 26 September 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs

Tackling Childhood Obesity: Discussion (Resumed)

9:30 am

Photo of Tom NevilleTom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My apologies for being late. If any of these questions has been asked already, the officials might let me know and I will look at the transcript.

I am seeking the thoughts of the Department officials on the system. Do they believe the changes that have happened in the past ten years since the introduction of smartphones have had an effect on physical activity? Do they believe that the system or facilities that we are providing via the curriculum is moving fast enough? Are we behind the curve? How much behind the curve do the officials envisage we are at the moment? I understand infrastructure takes time to catch up so I am not beating anyone with a stick. I am simply keen to get the thoughts of the officials.

What are the thoughts of the Department officials on the anecdotal feedback we have heard? I have heard myself that insurance in schools is stopping kids from running around the place. Do the officials have any thoughts on that, if it is happening? I have heard the usual stock answer that it is up to the schools to provide their own insurance or insurance provider but I would like to know the views of the Departments, because if children are being prevented from playing by insurance then that is a major issue. I am trying to get some concrete evidence because anything I have heard is anecdotal.