Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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273. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will carry out a review of the impact that vending machines are having on the health of secondary school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9122/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The results of the 2012 Lifeskills survey, which were published by my Department recently, indicated that approximately 30% of post primary schools have vending machines or school shops which sell fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps. In response to this finding, officials in my Department are currently developing guidance for schools on promoting healthy eating, including through the appropriate use of vending machines. In issuing such guidance my intention is not to prohibit the sale of particular foods but to suggest that a range of foods and drinks be available. I do not have the authority to dictate to schools in this manner. Vending machines are an important revenue stream for some schools and it is not my intention to displace this.

It is important that we do not dictate to students about what they can and cannot eat. My objective is to ensure instead that our students are given the opportunity to choose from a range of foods, including healthy options, when using vending machines in schools.