Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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236. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the recommendations for actions in the education system contained in the new Royal College of Physicians of Ireland policy statement on obesity here; the measures she will implement on the matter of obesity (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38880/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The policy statement by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland contains a number of recommendations relevant to the education sector. I welcome the fact that a number of these recommendations relate to initiatives that are already being supported by my Department.

These include the continued support for the expansion of the Active Schools Flag initiative, which is funded by my Department with support from the Health Service Executive. At present, there are 1,343 schools registered for the programme. Some 422 schools (391 primary and 31 post primary) have already been awarded their flags.

The report also recommends the expansion of the Health Promoting Schools Initiative to include more primary and post-primary schools. The results of the last Lifeskills survey, published by my Department in January 2014, indicated that 40% of primary and 37% of post primary schools are participating in this initiative. My Department will be cooperating with the Department of Health and the HSE to encourage more schools to participate in the future.

A further recommendation relates to the promotion of healthier food options in post primary schools. My Department is currently developing guidance for schools on this issue in conjunction with the Department of Health and the HSE.

My Department is also involved in a number of other initiatives to improve physical activity and thereby contribute to tackling obesity. These include the development of the National Physical Activity Plan which is being led by the Departments of Health and Children, a 'Get Active' pilot initiative in schools in Galway, Mayo and Dublin, and the 'Points for Life' initiative which aims to promote physical literacy and motor skills in children from a young age so as to help tackle childhood obesity and promote participation in sport.

These initiatives complement the continued focus on the implementation of Physical Education in all schools, as well as the provision of appropriate information to students, through the Social Personal and Health Education programme in particular, to enable them to make healthy food and lifestyle choices.

The policy statement by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland recognises that obesity is a societal problem and that it needs a society wide response. My Department is committed to ensuring that the education system promotes healthy living and overall well-being among the student population. However, these efforts must be complemented and supported by other major stakeholders such as parents, the media and the wider community.