Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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It is very welcome that there is a model of care for childhood obesity. However, I think, as in most things in health, we need to concentrate on prevention. Treatment is clearly critical but we could do so much more on prevention. Unfortunately, there is no great evidence of that happening. There are certainly parallels between what is happening with regard to over-processed food and junk food generally, and things like tobacco, alcohol and even gambling, where the industry forces its way in and dictates policy on this. Then there is the whole question of codes, and whether they are voluntary or mandatory.

The food reformulation task force has been spoken about. That is a voluntary thing, and we have no data to show us whether that is making any difference or not. I want to request data on this. I am not expecting it here today but I would like to know what exactly the percentages are for the reduction of salt, sugar and saturated fat during the course of the task force's work from 2021 to 2025. What are those targets, and also, what are the percentage reductions for 2023? I would like to request that this data be provided to us.

On the codes we spoke about earlier - the codes related to restrictions on the marketing of high-fat, sugar and salt foods - are these voluntary or mandatory codes? I would like information on that.

Unless some action is taken from the point of view of legislation, we can do all of the promotional and educational stuff that we like but we know it will not make any substantial difference. That is why it is just so disappointing that the Government seems to have backed off the commitment for legislation with regard to an obesity Bill.

Has any progress been made at all on the other programme for Government commitment to introduce planning restrictions on outlets selling high-calorie junk food and beverages close to schools?