Eamonn Coghlan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will try not to be repetitive. I welcome the Minister of State. The Leader welcomed the call for action, which reminded me of how I presented a Private Member's motion in November two years ago regarding the points for life initiative and physical activity in schools. The night before the debate was to take place, the Government asked me to change one word. There were nine amendments to my motion. The word was "action". The Government wanted to replace it with "explore". I remember thinking that "explore" could mean anything and that, even if we looked into the issue, would we deliver on it? I hope that there will be action on this matter.

Almost two years later, my points for life initiative only got up and running in a couple of schools this month. If I had my way as a legislator and as someone with a background in sports and ongoing experience of coaching young people, I would have points for life initiated in 70% or 80% of schools. I understand that certain factions are opposed to my ideas for imposing initiatives on schools.

Lifestyle changes can reduce cancer rates, obesity and tobacco use. Unfortunately, the public are not taking any action despite the information and statistics that have been passed on to them.

Cancers stemming from lifestyle are self-inflicted as far as adults are concerned. Cancer in young children is not caused by lifestyle. I spent last weekend with Fionnbar and Elma Walsh, parents of a young boy who died of cancer only a few months ago. His choice was to live. He passed on a message about suicide to young people. It has made a significant difference. The Walshs' main concern when it comes to cancer is not about lifestyle, but about the amount of money invested in research into preventing cancer among young children.