Seanad debates

Wednesday, 14 November 2018

10:30 am

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to address the matter of obesity. We need to remind ourselves that the biggest challenge facing our health services, not just in this country but across the western world, are non-communicable diseases. They are not infections. Obesity is an ever-increasing problem with our children now becoming obese and overweight. It is very hard if a child is obese for him or her to lose that weight as an adult. The problems caused include high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, cancers, diabetes, etc., and I do not need to remind people of the cost of these to our health service.

I raised here before the idea of "no-fry zones" near schools and crèches. In Wicklow we have such a policy but it has run into some difficulty. I see from media reports the possibility there will be a recommendation from the childcare committee that these zones be examined and put in place by the relevant Minister. I hope the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government will get his Department to issue guidelines in this regard and there will be consultation with the Minister for Health in doing that. Children deserve our protection.This is not about the nanny state, something of which we are often accused, rather protecting them and giving them the best chance in life. Then, when they become adults, they will make those decisions themselves. Habits formed in childhood last a lifetime.

We need action on this. We need clear direction from the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government so that local authorities can implement a no-fry zone to protect our children. We had this problem in Skerries recently where a major fast-food facility is being planned. We had all manner of problems. Local people were highly upset about it. The public will be behind us on this. We need to act.

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