Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I support my colleagues who have raised the issue of obesity among children. In 1995 I made a documentary about obesity among children in the UK. At that time consultants in the UK stated that it was an epidemic. It must be more than an epidemic if one in four of our children are struggling with their weight, but intervention at that level remains limited. A working group has been established to work on the issue of obesity and the Seanad Public Consultation Committee has communicated with it in the context of preventing common cancers though lifestyle changes. While we are waiting for a Minister to come to the House to discuss the committee's findings, it would be useful to seek an update from the working group.

It is working away behind the scenes between the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Education and Skills. It could do with some support and encouragement as it does its work. There are many twists and turns with regard to the direction it needs to take and what it needs to do. Will the Leader invite someone to give us an update on that work? This would inform our thinking and understanding of what is happening with regard to what the Government is trying to do for those children.