Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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467. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding calorie counts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6041/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The levels of overweight and obesity have increased in recent years. Currently 61% of all adults in Ireland are either overweight (37%) or obese (24%). The picture in relation to childhood overweight and obesity is similar where one in four children is either overweight or obese.

A significant contributor to this trend is the consumption of high calorific foods and drink outside the home. In 2012, the then Minister for Health initiated calorie posting on menus on a voluntary basis. Although the majority of restaurants stated that they would like to display calories, in May 2013 only 8% of all fast food outlets, coffee shops and food chains did so.

In 2012, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) conducted a consultation exercise to find out public views on the matter. 96% of the general public who made a submission wanted calorie menu labelling in all, or some, food outlets. 86% wanted calorie labelling in all food service businesses. An industry majority were in favour of calorie posting.

It is important to note that putting calorie counts on menus is about providing consumers with information at the point of choice.

I am aware that the legislation may impose a cost on the industry and, for that reason, the FSAI was requested to develop a web-based, user friendly and free to users Calorie Calculator to enable them to accurately calculate calories on all menus at no cost. This calculator is called “MenuCal” and has been in operation since April 2014. The Department of Health will consult with industry and other stakeholders on the calorie posting legislation.