Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

Yesterday, I raised the issue of Waterford Crystal and the predicament in which it finds itself. I thank the Cathaoirleach for making facility for an Adjournment Debate on it today. I also called yesterday for a debate and called on the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to attend the House to discuss this issue which I and many around the House believe to be an issue of national importance.

I acknowledge the Leader's efforts to try to get a Minister to attend the House. I was disappointed that no Minister was available to attend the House yesterday. We often speak about how we need to make the House more relevant and to respond to issues of the day. The fact that we could not even get one Minister, never mind the Tánaiste, to attend the House to debate this important issue is an insult both to the House and the Leader. I look forward to the Adjournment today and, hopefully, some positive response from whatever Minister attends.

I also welcome yesterday's decision by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to recommend a "Yes" vote on the Lisbon treaty. The congress represents over 600,000 workers in Ireland and it is important that it is acknowledged for workers that a "Yes" vote for the treaty will enhance and protect workers' rights in this country. A strong message needs to go out to all workers in Ireland and the ordinary members and citizens of this country that a "Yes" vote is something that we should be recommending.

Childhood obesity and the problems it presents has been an issue for many years. Recently, the Irish Heart Foundation, in conjunction with other agencies, wrote to all Members of the Oireachtas highlighting its concerns regarding childhood obesity and the health problems associated with it. It is mounting a campaign about how to protect children from the marketing of unhealthy foods. It is a very interesting document and I hope all Members would take cognisance of it.

This is one aspect of how we should tackle childhood obesity with regard to advertising and marketing. However, there are other ways that the Government should be showing leadership, be they through the schools and educational programmes or the provision of proper physical education facilities in schools around this country. If we do not respond to this problem, we are storing up huge health problems for the future that will be of huge cost to the Exchequer, regardless of which party is in power. It is something that needs to be urgently addressed. I call for a debate on childhood obesity and how the Government proposes to address the problem.