Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The report that came out today entitled, Growing Up in Ireland: The lives of 13 year olds, informs us about what we need to do in policymaking, legislation and collecting data on a range of issues in the areas of health, physical development, social and emotional well being, schooling and learning, etc. Of significance in that report is obesity among children. Some 20% of children in that age group are considered overweight with more than 6% being clinically obese. Most notable is the disparity between the children's weight and how they perceive themselves. It is often termed weight insightlessness. I bring this up because, as Senator Dolan alluded to, today is UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and poverty is highlighted in this report. Children from a background of significant inequality and social disadvantage were found to be at much higher risk of poor health and being diagnosed as clinically obese.We could all do with reading this report and reflecting on what further policies, legislation and education are required. I also wish to promote the launch of the report of the Joint Committee on Future of Mental Health Care. It will be launched in the audiovisual room at 1 p.m. today. Smart phones and so on caught the headlines but really what is most important for the mental health services in this country is the retention and recruitment of appropriately trained staff. Suggestions, objectives and proposals will be put forward in this report.