Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her Department's policy on the placement of vending machines in hospitals and facilities under the remit of her Department, particularly the policy with regard to public hospitals, proposed co-located hospitals and hospitals or health facilities constructed under the public private partnership scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8765/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The placement of vending machines in hospitals and other health facilities is a matter for the Health Service Executive and the management of the individual hospital or facility concerned. I am aware that the installation of vending machines gives rise to a debate in the context of the supply of foodstuffs and beverages on healthy food choices. In this context, I should add that the National Taskforce on Obesity, which reported in 2005, recommended that the health sector in their strategic planning and delivery should advocate and lead a change in emphasis from the primacy of individual responsibility to environments that support healthy food choices and regular physical activity. The provision of healthy choices must therefore be a key consideration where food is provided in hospitals or in other health facilities.

My Department has asked the Health Service Executive to examine the issues raised by the Deputy and to reply directly to him.