Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. When the obesity task force was established, I was disappointed the Department of Agriculture and Food was not formally represented on it. It is a grave omission because the Department's input would have been highly significant in the promotion of healthy, good quality and home-produced foods. Will the Minister of State agree it is important for the Department to be represented on the task force rather than making submissions to it?

We tend to equate fast and convenience foods with being non-nutritious and unhealthy. It may be true to a certain extent as many of them have high fat and salt content. Why is no serious effort made to ensure fast and convenience foods can be nutritious and healthy? These two terms should not be incompatible. What are the Minister of State's views on the promotion of such foods?

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