James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 304: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in the programme for Government commitment to continue to encourage breast-feeding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26826/08]

Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 305: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in the programme for Government commitment to ensure primary schools educate children about positive bodily self-image; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26827/08]

Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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The Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum provides particular opportunities to foster the personal development, health and well-being of the individual child. SPHE promotes intrapersonal development by helping children to recognise, understand and accept themselves as unique individuals who feel valued and loved. The curriculum is presented in three strands: Myself, Myself and Others and Myself and the wider world. The Myself strand is concerned with the personal development element and in particular this strand fosters self-awareness and understanding. The strand units Self Identity; Taking Care of my Body and Growing and Changing provide opportunities to educate the child on body positive self image.

Healthy eating guidelines have been drawn up for schools. Guidelines for preschools and primary schools have been published and post-primary school guidelines will be released shortly. The Department of Health and Children and the Department of Education and Science have been involved in developing these guidelines.