Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment to the Order of Business which is worthwhile and crucial.

I refer to the serious issue of obesity. I believe prevention is better than cure. Obesity related illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, etc. are causing our hospitals to be clogged up and over-worked. I listened to the radio this morning. Insomnia in Abbey Street has taken to putting a calorie count on the board with its menu in order that people will have a choice. This empowers them in such a way that they know the calorific value of food they eat. This is the only way forward. This has been happening for years in the United States which is beginning to tackle its serious obesity problem. There is also a huge problem in Ireland. Those of us involved in "Operation Transformation" last year met Dr. O'Shea who is doing fantastic work. However, he will be fighting a losing battle if we do not put in place legislation to ensure mandatory calorie counts in restaurants, especially fast food restaurants, where the obesity problems of children can be tackled.