Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Drinking water should be available in all post-primary schools. If a problem is identified with a school's water supply, it can submit an application to my Department for emergency funding to correct the problem. I am aware of some cases in which drinking water is supplied from machines. I drink water from my tap at home and, I am sure, most people in this House do likewise. The water that comes out of the tap is supposed to be drinkable other than in some exceptional circumstances. The board of management of a school can apply to my Department to address problems that might arise in such circumstances but I do not envisage bottled water being provided in every school. That is how I interpret the Deputy's question but perhaps I misunderstood him. Only where a problem arises in respect of water supplied through the taps should we supply water by alternative means.

I have strong views on healthy eating, healthy living and active schools. The Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, Deputy English, and I have engaged with our colleagues on this issue because we want to drive the healthy eating agenda in schools. I have outlined the measures that are being taken in this regard. National policy on healthy eating is led by the Department of Health but my Department is also very active in this area.

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