Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Cycling is key. We really need to re-evaluate formal physical education, PE, so that we are not simply focusing on competitive sports. I am one of the many people who sat out PE classes because I was not on a team in a competitive sport. Acrobatics, dance, cycling and so on are physical activities that allow children to celebrate physical movement and it is important to provide a diversity of options.

My final point is that sugary drinks are a huge problem, even in the Netherlands, where sponsorship is allowed in schools. The provision of water fountains is one of the strongest recommendations in this report. There is a brilliant young group in Galway whose project is called Got The Bottle. They are urging children to bring reusable drinking bottles to school. They are also asking the Department of Education and Skills to provide drinking fountains in all schools. London is stepping up to the plate in that regard in providing usable public water fountains. This is an example of people taking personal responsibility and that responsibility being matched by the State.

There are lots of practical ideas. I apologise for going over time.