Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Health his plans to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32492/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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25% of children aged between 5 and 12 and 20% of teenagers are either overweight or obese. Childhood overweight and obesity is a significant public health challenge. My Department, in conjunction with other organisations and Government Departments, is involved in a number of programmes that encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles. In parallel, the Health Service Executive is involved in many programmes to help prevent obesity. Earlier this year I set up a Special Action Group on Obesity, comprising representatives from my Department, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Health Service Executive, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Safefood to examine and progress a number of issues to address the problem of obesity, including nutritional labelling, calorie posting on restaurant menus, the development of healthy eating guidelines, the promotion of physical activity, restrictions on the marketing to children and the treatment of obesity. The Group will liaise with other Departments and organisations as required.