Ms Kate O'Flaherty:

On vending machines, the HSE policy is called Healthy Vending Policy. That was introduced a couple of years ago and I think we will be reviewing it shortly. That was to have a 60:40 split in terms of healthier foods which were around portion size and calories and the type of food so that there would still be choice there for people but they would be able to make healthier choices. The vending machines in hospitals and health centres no longer have branding from any of the major food or drink providers, but provide messages prompting people to make a healthier choice.

We have worked with the Department of Education and Skills starting there with 60:40 approach. A healthy vending policy for schools that still wish to have vending machines would be the place to start. I am not aware that we have maybe looked too closely at the implementation of that policy. I do not want to speak on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills, but Ms Sexton has spoken about the outcomes and helping young teenagers to make informed decisions and positive choices. The part of the path on which we have gone is about having a healthy vending policy.