John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Blessed are we among women.

The tabling of this question was prompted by a discussion at a committee last week at which it was revealed that 4,000 people per annum in Ireland die of obesity. This figure has risen from 2,500 some years ago. The Health Service Executive officials stated at that committee meeting that more than half of all primary school children do not reach the recommended level of fitness. Of concern was the frightening statistic that nine out of ten girls and seven out of ten boys are, on reaching 15 years of age, lacking in fitness. In 1960, we had the leanest children in Europe. We now have the fattest children in Europe.

It was suggested at that meeting that the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport should work in conjunction with the Department of Education and Skills, of which the Minister is well aware, and the Department of Health and Children in ensuring we become a fitter and healthier nation. The sports partnerships of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport are doing fantastic work in my county and have been rolled out countrywide and could perhaps be rolled out to schools.

The need for legislation from the Department of Health and Children in regard to food labelling has been mentioned often. The traffic light system could be used in supermarkets to highlight those foods which are damaging to one's health. There is so much that can be done. While I accept the Minister has only recently taken up this portfolio, perhaps she will state if she supports that proposal and if she sees a benefit in banning vending machines in secondary schools, in particular those which contain unhealthy foods.

The Minister referred in her reply to some of the schemes being implemented through the Irish Sports Council and so on. However, there is so much more that can be done. It is hoped that, as soon as the Minister gets her feet under the table, the effect of departmental co-operation will be evident in our nation and schools, although I accept children spend only a certain amount of time at school. For example, it could be stipulated that where sports capital funding is provided to a school, such a school must be available after hours for activities. Perhaps the Minister will outline in what other ways it will be evident at ground level that there is co-operation between the relevant Departments to ensure we become a fitter and healthier nation.

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