Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Senator's frustration with the annual report. I had hoped I would have been able to give a little more information on that in my reply this afternoon. I will proceed, however, to look at it again.

On the code of practice and its voluntary nature, one might say that when it was launched it was conservative. In the meantime, however, there has been much action on the code of practice, and many agencies have come on board. I know a number of shops, outlets and other areas are also beginning to take it on board. I was struck in my local supermarket by how it has been rearranged in order that fruit and vegetables are at the front of the shop rather than what had been there in the first place. It is a voluntary code of practice and we need to continue to work on it. We might need to emphasise the fact that responsibility comes with having a business and with serving young children, and this is seen on a daily basis.

When the sugar tax came in, like many people I was a bit wary of it and where it would go. As I have continued in my journey in this Department, however, I see the changes as soft drinks manufacturers are starting to take on board many of the things that were raised. I will take into account the Senator's point about online services and I will ensure the Department reverts to the Senator.