Feargal Quinn (Independent)

We came 21st out of 21 by another measurement. I mention this because addressing the matter is not necessarily in the Government's hands and a large amount of responsibility rests with parents and depends upon the jobs they do. We should not automatically say everything should be in the Government's hands.

I have a knowledge of the food business and interesting research in the United States shows that families that have a family meal at home have far lower levels of smoking and drug and alcohol abuse among children while there is a positive link to school attendance and results. This is something we can mirror in Ireland. When this information came to light in the United states a campaign started, promoted by President Bush and others, encouraging families to have a family meal at home at least once a week. In regard to the rosary, it was said that the family that prays together stays together and it seems the family that eats together also stays together.