James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I could not agree more with Deputy O'Donovan. This is a cross-departmental and cross-governmental issue, which is the reason the meeting was held by the United Nations. It is clear we can learn from one another. We all know there are vested interests involved here and that when it comes to advertising, high-sugar drinks and high-fat foods should not be shown when young children are watching television. We need to introduce regulations to deal with that issue. Equally, the display of calories on the contents of various foodstuffs is required. While there is some voluntary participation in this regard even that is skewed. There is a particular well known brand of snack which states on the package that the snack contains 130 calories. However, on reading the back of the package one finds it states in the small print that the package contains almost 500 calories, the first calorific count relating to a recommended portion. We are conducting research on this issue within the Department and are discussing with other Departments how it can be addressed.

Deputy O'Donovan is correct that the Departments of Education and Skills; Transport, Tourism and Sport; the Environment, Community and Local Government; Communications, Energy and Natural Resources; Health; Children and Youth Affairs; and Justice and Equality have a role to play in creating a safe environment for people. Part of the problem is that it is much easier for parents to have their child sitting at home playing a games console or watching telly where they can keep an eye on them than it is for them to allow them out on the street to play. However, that is not the healthy option.

We have been in touch with Mayor Bloomberg's office. The Deputy Mayor, Ms Linda Gibbs, is currently visiting Ireland and I hope to make contact with her tomorrow to discuss some of the initiatives they have taken in New York in relation to this issue. We have a long way to go in terms of calorie posting and letting people know what is contained in what they are eating and drinking.

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