Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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209. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding childhood obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26832/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The issue of promoting healthy eating is addressed in schools through subjects such as Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE), and Home Economics as well as in Physical Education. With such skills and knowledge, it is hoped that our young people will make appropriate choices so that this informed approach will help to reduce the incidence of obesity in our young people.

My Department is currently finalising guidance for schools about measures to promote healthy lifestyles. This guidance encompasses measures to promote healthy eating, healthy vending, as well as the promotion of P.E. and Physical Activity. The guidance has been drafted in consultation with the Department of Health and the HSE.

In co-operation with schools, my Department is also promoting physical activity through the P.E. curriculum and is supporting extra-curricular physical activities through initiatives such as the Active Schools Flag.

This emphasis on physical activity is an important complement to the measures in place to promote healthy eating among our students.

But I must state that schools can only do some much. Their efforts and policies for healthy eating need to be complemented by the students' families and the community.