David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 158: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the role of her Department in encouraging citizens, in particular adults, to maintain an active lifestyle; the initiatives she has to encourage participation in sport to combat the steady rise in obesity levels in recent years; the success of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28960/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Physical activity is important for health, well being, disease prevention and treatment. The almost €60 million invested by the Government in recent years towards the implementation of the cardiovascular health strategy has helped put much of the infrastructure in place to address obesity prevention. Part of this funding provided for the appointment for the first time of physical activity co-ordinators throughout the Health Service Executive areas.

The 2004 national public awareness campaign to tackle obesity and overweight, "Every Step Counts — Small Changes Make the Difference", highlighted the combined importance of physical activity and healthy eating and a similar campaign is planned for November of this year. The report of the national task force on obesity, published in May of this year, makes a number of recommendations regarding increasing physical activity among the population, particularly within the educational setting.