John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Minister mentioned facts a few moments ago in a reply to Deputy Hayes on another question. There were 22 recommendations from the task force and I hoped the Minister would tell me how many were implemented with regard to primary and secondary schools.

The Minister mentioned home economics as a vehicle for providing healthy lifestyle and eating. Does the Minister agree that the recent withdrawal of the home economics grant through the budget cutbacks is a setback to the implementation of obesity policy in second level schools? The Minister mentioned the great work done by the various sporting organisations so does the Minister agree that the recent cutbacks in substitution — the figure of €13 million was mentioned — will have a devastating effect on the implementation of obesity policy in our schools? The Minister stated that Ireland is faring well but my figures indicate there were over 300,000 obese children in our schools, and this was growing by over 10,000 each year.

One of the recommendations is that home school community co-ordinators should incorporate healthy skills within a wider framework of home visitation. What does the Minister say to the nine or ten voluntary schools in my constituency that will lose their home school liaison officer and will not be able to implement some of the recommended provisions?

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