Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will follow on from what Senator Bacik said about the obesity epidemic. I am one of the people who has bored everyone for the past four years with talk of this matter. As the Senator said, the latest figures released by the World Health Organization show Ireland is on course to become the most obese country in Europe by 2030. Professor Donal O'Shea, whom most people will have heard speak on this issue, has said that Ireland is in a worse health crisis than HIV-AIDS in the 1980s and cholera in the 1800s. The new figures predict that 89% of Irish men will be overweight or obese by 2030 which puts them at the top of an overweight table of 53 countries. In the same category, it is predicted that 85% of Irish women will be overweight or obese. Even though it is a forecast, the figures are startling even if they are halfway correct. As far as childhood obesity is concerned, Irish children, especially in the lower socio-economic groups, are in effect being poisoned with high fat, high salt and, above all else, high sugar content in their foods. Legislative action must be taken as a matter of urgency to tackle this time bomb.

When the plastic bag levy was introduced, it immediately changed consumer behaviour. The use of plastic bags decreased by approximately 90% and well over €200 million was generated. The funding was subsequently invested in additional bottle banks and other environmentally friendly measures. By the same token, the introduction of a health related food and drinks levy would have a positive impact on the consumption of junk food. International surveys and research have shown this to be true. Meanwhile, the tax would generate much needed revenue for additional medical services and therapies for patients who suffer from chronic obesity related illnesses such as diabetes. As a State, we cannot afford such a situation to continue and I predict it will only get worse. I would welcome, as suggested by Senator Bacik, a debate on the issue in general but in particular on policy and the need for legislative measures to be introduced.