Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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30. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he has had discussions with the Department of Health regarding the need to have nutritional information on confectionery products, documented in a manner as a percentage of a child's daily intake rather than a percentage of an adult's daily intake, in particular on those products which are aimed at children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20397/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I share the Deputy’s concerns in improving information on nutrition for children, young people and parents, and actively engaged with improving nutritional information on foods and beverages, including calorie posting in restaurants, when Minister for Health. However, in relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy there are particular practical problems in achieving this. The calorie intake required by children varies enormously by age and gender and activity levels. For example a relatively sedentary 5 year old girl will require around 1200 calories, whilst an active teenage boy may require 3000 calories per day, making the calculation of the percentage it contributes a particular daily total for a child or young person complex. Confectionary should, ideally, not form part of any child’s everyday diet, and be seen as an occasional treat. The campaign currently being run by SafeFood in partnership with ourselves and the Department of Health has had this as one of its key messages.

The Department of Health is currently in the process of developing new healthy eating guidelines for children aged under five which will help parents and professionals advising them make the best choices in relation to the nutrition of their children.