Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader arrange for a discussion on food safety and healthy food options? In these economically challenging times, people state on radio that they will choose the cheaper option, be it in terms of cuts of meat or snacks. I would appreciate an opportunity to debate the matter of obesity, which has economic and health costs. We should not only discuss how to get cheap food, but also healthy food. We could ask the industry what it is doing to supply healthy options. Previously, I raised this matter in terms of drink, but it would be timely to hold a debate on food now. When people strive to be prudent in their weekly purchases, it is important for adults and children that the food is nutritious as well as cheap.

I will not refer specifically to the multiple murders of recent days. In challenging times, people are pushed into doing things that they would not normally do. Will the Leader arrange for a debate on mental health? Prevention is always better than cure and early intervention is better than no intervention. I will declare my interest as I want music therapy recognised as a clinical mental health intervention. It is timely that the issue of mental health be highlighted, particularly given that many business people are facing pressures. The House should have an opportunity to discuss the ways in which people's difficulties can be alleviated. We should do away with the myth that emotional upset is less important than a physical difficulty. People go to doctors to address the latter, but there is still a stigma attached to mental health issues.