Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Devins for sharing his time with me. I support the Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady, in her work in this area. All Members across the House agree tackling obesity must be prioritised. The statistics are frightening with 38% of the population overweight and 23% obese, a total of 61% of the population in the overweight-obese category, a rise from 57% in just a decade. This epidemic needs to be halted.

Action is required in promoting good nutrition and physical activity. We must make it easier for people to make healthy choices. Yesterday I heard one advertisement from the Little Steps campaign on radio in which a man takes his kids for a walk instead of going to the pub. The Little Steps programme has a good television and radio advertising campaign.

Obesity among children is also a concern with associated chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases on the rise. More than half of primary schoolchildren do not get their recommended daily level of physical activity. Is this a school or family issue? That children spend 20% of their time in school means it is a family issue.

The change of school vending machine products to healthier options is important. A year ago the Department of Education and Science wrote to all schools on this matter. Will the Minister of State follow this up to establish what progress has been made?

Changes were made to the food served in the canteen in Leinster House for which I commend Don Rice and his staff. I hope it can happen in other workplace canteens across the country.

When I was Minister of State with responsibility for tackling obesity, I was impressed during my visits to Professor Donal O'Shea's clinic in Loughlinstown. The Minister of State should visit it to see the outstanding work done there. While it is serious when people get to the stage they must attend the clinic, there was a proposal to develop other units across the country. I hope this is still on course as it will be important in treating obesity.

More parents practise what they preach when it comes to family health. A recent survey showed 65% of children walk to their destinations, other than to school, in a typical week, a rise of 59%. Little steps go a long way but the battle is far from over. Individuals are responsible for their lifestyle choices but we can make it easier for them to lead healthier lives.

With over 61% of the population in the overweight-obese category, tackling obesity must be priority. I wish the Minister of State well in her work in halting this epidemic.

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