Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I join the call for discussions with the Tánaiste following the appalling news we heard this morning that seven of our citizens were arrested at the airport and held in detention. This is totally unacceptable and it must be addressed by the Tánaiste and the Israeli Ambassador.

I wish to raise an issue that has received a good deal of coverage in the newspapers, that is, the problem of obesity among young people. Some of the statistics published this morning indicate that many parents will outlive their children, a cause of great concern for many of us. The implications for families and the financial implications for the health service in future demand that we should take this matter seriously and hold a discussion in the House. We must examine the issues of foods, healthy options provided in schools and physical activity or the lack of it in schools and out of school hours. It is a major issue which we must face up to as a nation. Will the Leader facilitate a debate with the relevant Minister or Ministers in the House so that this issue, which is of grave concern to many people, can be addressed in a meaningful way and is given the prominence it deserves? It should be highlighted to make people, including families and children, aware of what is a major issue in our society.