Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

658. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she has explored the health consequences of the below cost selling of sugary food and drinks to children; if she has considered developing a strategy to deal with the consequences of such a policy in view of the rising rates of obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3746/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department works closely with the Department of Health in relation to a range of health issues affecting children and young people, including the serious issues of overweight and obesity levels which have been highlighted in the Longitudinal Study "Growing Up in Ireland" which my Department funds.

A Special Advisory Group on Obesity has been established by the Minister for Health and is working to develop a range of actions in response to the Obesity Strategy and a representative of my Department is participating in this work. It is recognised that food and drinks with a high sugar component are important contributors to overweight and obesity in young people and I understand that the Department of Health has held discussions with schools on changing the contents of vending machines to ensure that the majority of products they stock are healthy options and the provision of guidelines to early years providers on healthy nutrition for young children.

Information to assist parents to make healthy choices for their children will be an important element in tackling the consumption of sugary foods and drinks by children and young people. In the latter part of 2013 the Minister for Health and I jointly launched a three year media and social media campaign aimed at giving practical tips to parents on managing their children’s weight. One of the advertisements developed for the campaign encourages substituting water for sugary drinks and poster and print advertisements show parents how much sugar is contained in various drinks. Information resources have also been made available on the internet and in the form of leaflets in GP surgeries, Family Resource Centres, Public Libraries and other places visited by parents and children.