Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Certain statistics on this issue were presented to the health committee some time ago. Mr. O'Shea, a consultant with expertise in the area of diabetes and obesity, has said we are now sitting on a time bomb. He went further and said it has exploded and the carnage already surrounds us. He said we must act promptly. We must be forceful in our decision making process. Some of it might be unpopular in terms of policy, because we will have to examine the issue of taxation to discourage consumption of fizzy or high sugar drinks. There are also the issues of exercise, calorie counting and making ourselves aware of health. Other countries such as Australia have tackled this problem head-on. They have become almost obsessed with health but have achieved amazing results in a short period of time.

The Minister said something previously which struck me considerably, that we owe it to the generation following us because ours could be the first generation to be obliged to bury the people born after us. It is incumbent on us not only to extrapolate from the figures but to do something about it. Every possible measure should be taken. The Minister has set up the special task force and the health committee would like to play its part, but society in general must be encouraged and cajoled by policy, some of which might be unpopular as it might require tax hikes. Other aspects of policy will require a change in mindset. However, if we do not do something, we could end up burying our children.

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