Ray Butler (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise a survey carried out in England by Cancer Research UK which suggests that television advertisements for sweets, crisps and fast foods have a real impact on primary school children. Health organisations are looking for tougher advertising curbs in the forthcoming Government child obesity strategy. According to recent government statistics for England, about one fifth of children in the last year of primary school, aged between ten and 11, and about 27% of adults are obese. Obesity has been linked to 13 types of cancer so far and polls have shown that many people are unaware of the link. I believe if the same study were done here, the findings would be the same. It is a huge issue, especially when it comes to diabetes and what follows on from diabetes with its link to cancer.

The Government should close existing loopholes and restrict children's exposure to junk food marketing across all media by backing a 9 p.m. watershed. I would like to see that done in this country.Having young children look at cartoons or television programmes in the afternoon can have a detrimental effect and put pressure on parents to go out and buy junk food. Changes can be made. It is all about education. I am a prime example of changing one's lifestyle and making a change in one's life. It can be done, but we have to educate young people. It is all about education in schools and proper cooking at home as well. Nobody has any problem with having treats during the week, and perhaps once a week going to whatever fast food takeaway but not living on it for five, six or seven days a week. It is a huge issue. I would like the Minister to come in here to discuss a ban on the advertisement of junk food in this country between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.