Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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780. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration has been given towards establishing market regulations for foods high in sugar and fat. [18886/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I established the Special Action Group on Obesity (SAGO) comprising representatives from relevant Government Departments, the HSE, the Food Safety Authority, members of academia, service professionals and safefood to examine and progress a number of issues to address the problem of overweight and obesity in Ireland. At my request the Special Action Group on Obesity has established a sub-committee to examine measures to restrict the availability of foods and drinks from the top-shelf of the Food Pyramid (as per the Healthy Eating Guidelines) as these foods and drinks are not necessary for health. An Action Plan has now been developed to progress implementation of the Recommendations.

Arising from the work to date, my Department will be meeting with the Department of Communications and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with a view to discussing a regular review of the impact of the Code of Advertising of foods to children. My Department have been very involved in working with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, with regard to the marketing of food and drink to children and the development of a new Children’s Code up to 18 years, to restrict marketing of high fat, high salt and high sugar foods and drinks during children’s viewing times.

Discussions are taking place between HI Healthy Irelandand The Health Promotion Unit on a cross-sectoral approach to this matter and the Report, including the Recommendations of the Working Group on top-shelf foods.

My Department is developing a new obesity policy this year which will have a significant impact on the obesity agenda, provide a framework for action based on a number of informants and help lead inter-sectoral work in addressing overweight and obesity in Ireland.