Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their very useful thoughts and observations on childhood obesity. I acknowledge their support for what the Government is doing to tackle this problem. It is extraordinary for us now, and for me as a parent, to see children presenting in doctors' surgeries with conditions that would have been considered adult conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Senator Colm Burke referred to the doctor who told the parents that their child is obese. Our front-line staff are the doctors, the dentists, and the nurses in general practices. Attention needs to be paid to them. If parents take and follow their gentle suggestions, they will find that not only will their children's quality of life be enhanced, but their behaviour also will improve if they reduce the amount of sugar they consume. Education needed on that aspect.

Senator Davitt and all the other Senators mentioned physical activity. The national physical activity plan was launched almost two years ago and is a very important component of the overall healthy Ireland framework because we must take a whole of society and cross-departmental approach to this. We want to try to make the healthy option the easier one for all of us, particularly our children. The active school flag is a marvellous programme in which over 650 primary schools are engaged. They take steps to encourage physical activity among the children and the emphasis is on activity, not competitive sports. That is a really important distinction. I had the pleasure of visiting St. Clare's national school in Ballyjamesduff which not only won the national active schools flag award in Ireland, but went on to win the European active schools flag award. It is really leading the way. The schools, parents and communities are very engaged in this programme, not to mention the children who are benefiting.

Several Senators mentioned the lower socio-economic communities. We were delighted with the establishment of the healthy Ireland fund last year despite not having collected a cent yet. We are focusing on children and those in disadvantaged areas with that fund. We are working on the criteria and see great opportunities there. The no-fry zones were referred to. Wicklow County Council led the way on this and the Department is examining how this can be rolled out across the country. Senator Devine mentioned free drinking water in schools and we are certainly advocating that and will try to ensure that children have access to drinking water in schools. The World Health Organization, WHO, report was mentioned. While we are focusing on our issues this is a problem in certain developed countries around the world. Everybody in the European Union, EU, is focusing on this.

I was asked about eating a large meal and driving. Never drink and drive is the message. Someone who feels tired after a large meal should have a snooze before getting behind the wheel. Senator Burke mentioned the former Senator, Eamonn Coghlan, leading the way in physical activity and parental awareness. If they know that children need a minimum of one hour's activity a day, that is something to strive for, and it could be divided into four 15 minute blocks as long as they get that crucial minimum. People will welcome the fact that from this year wellness will be a subject in second level schools.

Others mentioned young girls. Teen years are very challenging because of the pressures of social media and having always to aspire to be like certain people. We want to encourage young girls to choose physical activity. They do not have to be competing. They can walk, run or cycle, as long as they are aware that they need physical activity. That is crucial, as is eating healthily and well. Senator Dolan's point about being respectful and helpful to families on low income was a good one. This is not intended to blame people but to encourage them to make good decisions that enhance their quality of life. That is what we really want to do.

I also mentioned the national standards for food. We have a national nutrition plan. We are working on that this year and that will take into account everywhere that food is produced, including schools. Senator Noone mentioned the WHO. We certainly do not want to be branded the fattest people in Europe by 2030.While it is correct in respect of Amsterdam that patience will be required in this area, at the same time, we must be proactive. Senators will be aware that communities are becoming very engaged, for example, through Parkrun events and activities arising from the "Operation Transformation" programme which engages people every year. More cycle lanes will make it easier for people to engage in physical activity.

A number of Senators, including Senator Noone, referred to online advertising and specific algorithms that can target children. As with many new technologies, we are playing catch-up to a great extent. However, the Department is working with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland on a new code to restrict the marketing of food and drink to children. The children's code is being revised and we have made submissions in that regard.

I thank Senators most sincerely for their observations. A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016 sets out ten steps forward. We recommend a number of actions the Government can pursue to assist people in their efforts to prevent and reduce obesity. The Department is making progress on the implementation of the many priority actions set out in this policy. As I indicated, the Health Service Executive is recruiting a clinical leader on obesity, who will take a lead role on this issue.