Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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755. To ask the Minister for Health his views on representations from the Irish Heart Foundation (details supplied) which stressed the need for nutritious school food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21782/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Education has informed me that through the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme students learn about the importance of healthy eating and a balanced diet. SPHE is mandatory at primary level. It forms part of the new 'Wellbeing' component of the Junior Cycle Framework. Schools are encouraged to provide an SPHE programme in senior cycle.

Schools are active in this area. The latest data available to the Department of Education is through the Lifeskills survey, 2012. The findings from this survey indicate that the vast majority of primary and post primary schools are providing their students with the skills and knowledge needed to enable them to make healthier lifestyle choices. For example, 97% of primary, and 66% of post primary schools, reported in 2012 that they promote healthy lunches. Similarly, more than 90% of primary and more than half of post primary schools reported having a healthy eating policy in place.

The Department of Education and Skills is currently finalising guidance for schools that is intended to promote 'Healthy Lifestyles' among the student population. This guidance encompasses measures to promote P.E. and physical activity, as well as healthy eating and healthy vending. It has been drafted in consultation with the Department of Health and the HSE. This guidance will issue in September 2015, to coincide with the publication by the Department of Health of updated Guidelines on Healthy Eating Policies. The Healthy Lifestyle guidance will issue to post primary schools in the first instance. This will be followed by similar guidance for primary schools.