Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a health issue I raised in 2011 and on numerous occasions since. This is a good week for the Department of Health. I welcome the announcement that the Government has approved the heads of a Bill for calorie posting on menus. This does not seem like the most urgent or pressing issue in the world but, at the same time, the initiative could assist somewhat in combating the ever-increasing obesity crisis. Despite lobbying against the legislation by some food industry groups, it will bring about transparency and allow people to make positive healthy choices in their lives. The new law will require restaurants, takeaways and food service outlets to post calorie information alongside the price for all items offered on menus at the point where the food is ordered, be it at tables or counters.

The Government has listened to arguments from the food industry concerning costs.

The FSAI has developed an online calorie counting model known as MenuCal, which will reduce the cost of providing such counters. Cost is an issue and I urge leniency in the legislation for restaurants that have daily menus or complicated menus. It is not simply the case that if calories are posted on menus, there will suddenly be a total reduction in obesity levels but it is a further step that might help. While the Government cannot, and should not, interfere directly in people's choices, such transparency and disclosure will allow people to make better food choices as part of the action against obesity. Public consultation demonstrates that 95% of consumers want this and I look forward to the legislation. It is scheduled to be enacted in 2016, which would be a good move.