Seanad debates

Tuesday, 24 May 2005

Report of National Task Force on Obesity: Statements.

 

5:00 pm

Brendan Daly (Fianna Fail)

As I have had a cold in recent days, I might be a bad advertisement for a debate on health. However, the debate provides the opportunity to raise important issues. I am glad the Minister of State made a concise and decisive speech because it might encourage us to read more fully the task force report, which draws attention to important matters that should be addressed quickly.

As you will be aware, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, I have been a member of the General Assembly of the Council of Europe for a number of years. As the Minister of State will be aware, the Council of Europe, with the European Commission and the European regional body of the World Health Organisation, has taken many initiatives over the years. Some 20 years ago, it introduced an initiative, the European Network of Health Promoting Schools, which has been demonstrated to be very successful in linking health issues with educational experience. It has been scientifically proven by experts that disease is acquired and that pre-school and school years are the major sources of serious adult illnesses. For this reason, it is important that we would in discussing this issue try to forge a closer harmony and link between the worlds of health and education, including between the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science. My contribution is made with the above points in mind.

I do not want to examine the report in great detail other than to note it highlights the necessity to further promote in Ireland the European Network of Health Promoting Schools — I accept that some schools are already involved in that network, which has been the subject of numerous discussions at the Council of Europe's Committee of Culture, Science and Education and the General Assembly.

Increasingly, the emphasis seems to be on creating greater awareness among parents, teachers, educationalists and the health promoting agencies of Departments, including that of the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power. Their coming together would have a major beneficial impact on the health and lifestyle of thousands of people, not only in Ireland but across the European Community.

The objective of balanced development is the task of the schools. In addition to imparting knowledge, schools also have a responsibility to provide a balanced education which takes account of health issues. This includes the matter of desk design, which apparently has been the subject of much criticism for the damage it has caused to people's backs, hips and livers.

A wealth of scientific information and research exists which necessitates a closer liaison between the Departments of Health and Children and Education and Science. The matter should be given more attention, especially in the training colleges. The experience gained from the 20 years of work done by the European Network of Health Promoting Schools should be made available and be incorporated into methods used in training colleges and health promoting agencies.

A variety of documentation, leaflets and publications deal with health promotion inside and outside of schools. It will be an exercise and will not have the desired effect unless a legal framework is put in place to support the findings. It is necessary to consider establishing a statutory system of health promotion to counterbalance the very damaging results of what is taking place in our schools.

There has been a widespread escalation in the number of computers in primary schools. An opinion is being canvassed with regard to the pressures on young children in terms of these computers. We have all encouraged the creation of a greater awareness of the importance of technology with regard to industry, etc. However, this has placed pressure on children which leads to problems later in life. There is no real evidence to back up this assertion because the situation has not existed for a sufficient time. Perhaps the Minister of State would consider the effects this might have on young people's health and sight now and when they are older. It might be wise to do so before we further embark on promoting technology, particularly in pre-schools and national schools.

I have mentioned the issues regarding school furniture, computers and the design of school buildings. Some of the literature published by the European Network of Health Promoting Schools has endeavoured to encourage people to look up rather than down by placing images on the ceilings. We in the Seanad are ahead in this regard because we have some ornate designs on the ceiling. Young people are being encouraged to look upwards and stand upright which will be important for their hips and backs in later life.

Perhaps the Minister of State thinks I am rambling on somewhat. I came to the House today to emphasise and draw his attention to the work that is being done by the Council of Europe, the World Health Organisation and the European Commission in respect of the European Network of Health Promoting Schools. More than 40 countries partake in the network which was established 20 years ago and initially involved 12 countries. Some Irish schools are currently involved. The Minister of State should talk to his colleague at the Department of Education and Science because the evidence is very damaging and serious in respect of the long-term health prospects for the younger generation. It is imperative and timely to have a debate of this nature in the House. We should consider other approaches, such as the studies undertaken in Europe and through the World Health Organisation.

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