Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I move amendment No. 26:

In page 32, between lines 35 and 36, to insert the following:

"(i) the provision of facilities for physical activity to promote a healthy lifestyle.".

I know the Minister of State spoke on Committee Stage about how he supported the concept behind this amendment but he decided not to proceed with it at that stage. I was disappointed about that. I have an American friend who loves ice cream. However, he feels very guilty whenever he has one but he is also a keep fit merchant. Whenever he has an ice-cream cone, he obliges himself to walk 5 km. He actually says it is 3.5 miles but I will stick to kilometres. The reason I say this is if we provide space for exercise, we are likely to avail of the facility. With many of the Americans I think of, he talks very strongly about prevention rather than cure when it comes to health issues. There is the fundamental question of promoting a healthy lifestyle and exercise. In that regard, we must allocate space to allow people to engage in such activity. I have read the Minister of State's comments made on Committee Stage. He indicated that planning authorities might levy a charge but we have an obligation, when developing, to make sure space is allocated. We are not talking about the provision of facilities but the provision of enough space to enable people to walk, run or cycle. It would not have to be a large space, but we should not develop in the future without taking this matter into account.

Obesity poses one of the major threats to 21st-century lifestyles. If we are to make a healthier lifestyle a way of life for our population, we must give people opportunities. This would be one of the simple ways of achieving such a goal and it would not carry a cost. The amendment merely stipulates that space should be provided. It is worded simply and seeks "the provision of facilities for physical activity to promote a healthy lifestyle". It would not place a heavy onus on anybody. It could include area in which people could do physical jerks in the morning, if they wanted to. The provision is worthy of support. I will be disappointed if the Minister of State responds in the way he has responded to a number of requests that he may take it into account and make changes in the Dáil. I remember when he was in this House and know he realises the importance attached to having a decision made in this House, particularly with a Bill introduced, amended or discussed in the Seanad. I will not use the words of Senator Coffey but it would show a certain degree of respect for the work put into legislation in this House.

I urge the Minister of State to seriously consider the amendments which he has said he may take into account. If we have an amendment proposed in this House, it should be given consideration here rather than in the Dáil. There may be occasions on which provisions need more attention but I urge the Minister of State to give serious consideration to the amendment I have proposed and accept it.