Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators who contributed to this important debate relating to the drawing up of priorities in respect of health promotion. Many speakers focused on the specific issues of tobacco, alcohol and obesity.

Senator Fitzgerald and others highlighted the fact that prevention is better than cure. The Senator stated that this aspect is not afforded the same focus as others. However, this debate gave us the opportunity to focus on health promotion. The Senator referred, in particular, to the need to focus on young people. Whether it is tobacco, alcohol or issues relating to obesity such as overeating and a lack of physical activity, it is important to ensure that we get matters right in the context of the school curriculum. Every Senator referred to the need to ensure that we deal with this matter correctly from the point of view of education.

Senator Fitzgerald also welcomed the changes the Government has introduced in respect of alcohol and indicated her hope that these will continue to make a difference in our communities. Other Senators expressed concern in respect of legislation dealing with alcohol and stressed that there is a need to go further. Senators Bacik, Ormonde and Norris recalled the passage of the relevant legislation through this House. I reassure Senators in that regard. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is bringing forward a new consolidated intoxicating liquor Bill next year which will bring all of the licensing laws together. That may address some of the wider issues referred to by Senators that were not addressed in the Intoxicating Liquor Act. I thank Senators for their warm support for the legislation that was passed before the summer. Reference was made to the difference it is making in communities.

Obesity was referred to as a ticking time-bomb. Without a doubt it is an important issue we must address. Vending machines and healthy eating in schools were referred to by several speakers. Senators Mary White and Ann Ormonde were particularly concerned about that issue. I wish to reassure them on a number of points.

One of the first things I did as a new Minister in this area was to initiate a system to examine the task force reports. Like them I was concerned about how we would know whether we were making progress and how to set clear benchmarking targets. We began by initiating bilateral discussions across Departments. We could have set up an interdepartmental group but my concern was it might take a long time for Departments to talk to one another. There is a need for wider discussions but initially to speed things up, we commenced a process of bilateral discussions between the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science on school guidelines, vending machines, greater exercise and other such issues. Another area of bilateral discussion has been with the Department of Transport on sustainable transport policies, cycling and other matters relating to how we change the built environment.

In the next few months the Department of Health and Children is due to publish the national nutrition policy, which is important. A number of things are happening in regard to that policy, school guidelines and the built environment. We will continue to have clear progress.

Senator Fitzgerald asked why we did not increase further the tax on cigarettes. Senator Keaveney supported that position from the point of view of health promotion. I agree that price is a big factor in cigarette smoking. From a public health perspective we welcome any increase in the cost of a packet of cigarettes. In fairness to the Minister for Finance, he also has to balance that in terms of the consumer price index and inflation. Many of the popular cigarette brands cost more than €8 and that is a way to address smoking from a health perspective. Future budgets will continue to address the issue.

Senator Mary White stated physical and mental health go hand in hand and referred to the importance of raising awareness among children in schools at a young age about health and nutrition. Senator Keaveney referred to the calorie content of alcohol and drinks such as Bud Light and Bulmers Light. She was especially concerned about labelling. Alcohol labelling will be addressed in the new EU labelling policy. Senator Bacik expressed concern also about the excessive consumption of alcohol and stated that the new legislation alone will not be enough. Senator Ormonde was also concerned about that matter. I reassure Senators that further legislation is due. The codes came through on 1 July this year. We are happy to continue to discuss the issues with Senators who are interested in the area. All suggestions from them are welcome.

Senator Prendergast focused on programmes in schools from her perspective of 20 years' experience in midwifery. She referred to sexual health programmes in schools, sexually transmitted infections, the benefits of breast feeding, parent craft education and the pressure on staff in maternity units. Across all of the topics she underlined the importance of early intervention and talking to children in schools.

Senator Bacik made an interesting point about jerseys. I am not familiar with the UK code to which she referred and I would welcome information from her on that area, which we intend to research. The working group we are setting up to examine the code on sponsorship will deal with that issue. Senator Norris expressed concern also about the obscenity of sports sponsorship and the contradictions involved. I assure both Senators and others concerned about the issue that the working group has been asked to examine this area.

Senator Norris referred to the big issues of smoking and drinking. He called also for a young people's programme for the prevention of AIDS. He suggested more health promotion is required. He also stated that nutrition should be part of the school curriculum. Many Senators referred to nutrition and schools. We intend to publish shortly guidelines for preschool, primary and post-primary schools. On a bilateral level we intend to focus on those issues with the Minister for Education and Science because, as many of us know, if we can get it right from the perspective of physical activity and nutrition in schools, we will get things right all round.

I agree with Senator Keaveney that prevention is always better than cure and early intervention is the next best thing. Senator Healy Eames mentioned an interesting statistic. She reminded all of us with concerns about smoking that the gateway age for children is nine to 13. She referred to peer pressure, self esteem and weight issues in connection with children taking up smoking. We need to watch the next step in terms of the removal of advertisements in the retail sector following the announcement on 1 July this year that it will come into effect on 1 July 2009. The protection of children is at stake. I am delighted to see so much cross-party support for that measure.

Senator de Búrca concentrated on lifestyle, diet and exercise, the role of the community pharmacist and the health food sector. We had an interesting meeting with her group in that regard. She also referred to health promotion and early intervention.

Senator Twomey referred to the effectiveness of the smoking ban but like all of us, he is concerned that people continue to smoke. We got much satisfaction for a while from the success of the smoking ban but Senators were of the view that more needs to be done. The ban on the sale of packets of ten cigarettes in May 2007 was aimed at reducing the sale of cigarettes to children. I welcome the support of Senators for the ban on the in-store point of sale and the display of tobacco products. We are delighted so many support the proposals that will come into effect on 1 July 2009.

Senator Twomey mentioned the fantastic improvements in the cardiovascular area. I agree with him. One has only to visit hospitals to see the major changes that have taken place in the past 20 years, the wonderful things the medical profession is achieving in the cardiovascular area and the difference it is making to the lives of so many. The new interventions are very good.

Senator Twomey's point that we are not doing enough about obesity is shared by all of us. If we are to take anything from today's debate, it is that obesity, especially among children, is one of the areas on which we need to focus. I agree with Senators that tackling this problem should be prioritised. When one considers that half of our population is overweight, it is clear we need to get it right. As Senators said, we need to make the easy choice the right choice. Schools and parents have a responsibility to transmit that message to our children. Similar action needs to be taken in respect of alcohol and smoking. If we can get it right for the children and teenagers of today, we will have got it right for future generations.

I thank Senators for contributing to the debate on this issue. Many of the views that have been expressed today will be taken on board. We will continue to examine this issue. If Members have further ideas, we would like to hear from them.