Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The effects were felt across the board. However, the response from those involved in business has been positive and this will contribute to the economic recovery that is under way.

I ask the Acting Leader to arrange a discussion on the issue of childhood obesity and to congratulate the Minister for Health on another initiative he undertook yesterday in leading a campaign on this issue. He presented some very chilling facts, in particular, that we were in danger of becoming the first generation to bury our own children because of the levels of obesity in society. The Irish Heart Foundation has been strong on this issue. Two out of every five Irish adults are overweight, while one in three children is overweight or at risk of becoming obese. These figures have been known for a long time and we need to take action now. The billboard and poster advertising campaign is welcome. I suggest the House support the Irish Heart Foundation, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in their efforts to tackle the levels of obesity.