Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 527: To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider introducing a tax on so-called junk food to help combat the increasing obesity figures here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25846/11]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 528: To ask the Minister for Health the concept of including calorie counts on restaurant menus; if he has discussed with a company (details supplied) the reasons for their failure to introduce calorie menus here alongside the planned introduction of same in their UK branches, particularly considering the high levels of obesity here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25847/11]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 529: To ask the Minister for Health the progress made of the special action group on obesity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25848/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 527 to 529, inclusive, together.

The Special Action Group on Obesity is examining a number of options including the introduction of a sugar tax on sugar-sweetened drinks amongst a range of measures to reduce the levels of overweight and obesity in the population. The Group is not considering the introduction of tax on high fat, salt and sugar foods at this juncture. They have explored the issue of calorie posting in fast food restaurants and officials from my Department met with representatives from the food industry during the summer in this regard. I now intend writing to fast food operators in Ireland asking that they introduce this calorie posting in their Irish restaurants. This initiative was first introduced in the US, and it has recently been replicated in the UK in a deal between the British government and industry.