Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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486. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to banning vending machines in primary and post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17561/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The results of the 2012 Lifeskills survey, which were published by my Department in February 2014, indicated that approximately 30% of post primary schools have vending machines or school shops which sell fizzy drinks, sweets and crisps. This figure was down from 35% in the 2009 survey. The 2012 survey did not find vending machines in primary schools.

The Lifeskills survey 2015 is currently underway. The results will be published before the end of 2015. This will allow the Department to track progress in relation to vending machines and other issues since 2012.

It is not my intention to legislate on the issue of vending machines. As Minister for Education and Skills I do not have the authority to dictate to schools in this manner. Schools are generally privately managed institutions which, although largely funded by the State, are relatively autonomous.

Schools are active in promoting physical activity and healthy eating among their students. This is done through Social, Personal and Health Education, Home Economics and Physical Education. We want to ensure that schools offer students healthy alternatives so that can they put their knowledge into practice and choose in an informed way.

The Department is currently finalising guidance that will issue to all schools on measures that can be taken to promote 'Healthy Lifestyles'. This guidance encompasses measures to promote healthy eating, healthy vending, as well as the promotion of Physical Education and Physical Activity. It will issue to post primary schools initially. The guidance has been drafted in consultation with the Department of Health and the HSE.