Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether nutrition should be taught in primary schools. [26343/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is a mandatory part of all programmes for primary students, and its implementation is being assisted by a full-time support service. The programme begins in the infant classes and specifically addresses the need for regular exercise, and examines food and nutrition issues and the need for a balanced diet. The objective is that by fifth and sixth classes, pupils are equipped to take responsibility for making wise food choices and adopting a healthy balanced diet, and in that context, exploring and examining the food pyramid. These themes are continued in the SPHE programme at junior cycle, as well as in the Home Economics, PE and Science curricula.

Health and well-being along with food and nutrition are two areas dealt with under the "taking care of my body" unit of SPHE at primary level. SPHE is presented in three strands: Myself, Myself and others and Myself and the wider world.

The strand "Myself" is concerned with the personal development of the individual child and his/her health and well-being. This strand also contributes to children establishing ways of thinking, feeling and acting that can help to promote and maintain health and well-being both now and in the future. Part of this strand deals with food and nutrition and enables the child to:

become aware of the importance of food for growth and development

explore food preferences and their role in a balanced diet

discuss and explore some qualities and categories of food

realise the importance of good hygiene when preparing food to eat.

Physical education is also part of the curriculum at primary and at post-primary level and plays a key role not just in giving students an opportunity to exercise during the school day but also in encouraging a positive attitude towards physical activity which students will hopefully carry with them into adult life.