Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators have mentioned locating fast food outlets near schools. The issue I wish to raise is locating vending machines in hospitals. Somebody recently sent me a photograph of a vending machine containing chocolate, crisps and so forth located within ten yards of a children's unit in a hospital. If we are serious about health issues, then let us at least resolve this one as it affects hospitals. On one hand, we are facing a major task in tackling obesity but, on the other, we are providing vending machines in hospitals. I have no difficulty with staff requiring access to vending machines but the machines should not be placed close to a children's unit in a hospital. The reason many hospitals give for having vending machines is that they are good for providing money. This must be examined. There should be a policy in the HSE on this matter. The issue of locating fast food outlets near schools might not necessarily be within our control at this stage but this matter is within our control and we should deal with it. I ask the Minister to send a message to the Minister for Health on this issue. I intend to write to the Minister about it as well. It is an extremely important matter, especially given the challenges we face in respect of health issues among young people and particularly that of obesity.