Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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258. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will publish guidelines with current information regarding good nutrition for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20778/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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My Department issued guidance to post primary schools, in September 2015, on promoting healthy lifestyles which includes healthy eating policies. Similar guidance was provided to primary schools in January 2016.

Schools and the wider education sector have a vital role to play in contributing to the Government's 'Healthy Ireland' agenda set out in the Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025. Healthy Ireland was published by the Department of Health in 2013, and is one of the most ambitious programmes we have ever seen focused on improving the health of the nation.

Healthy Ireland contains a number of goals for the education sector. The Department of Education and Skills is a key partner in the delivery of this agenda.

Through their primary and post primary education students are equipped with the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make healthier life choices. Schools' efforts should be complemented by students' families and their community.

I want to see more active flags in schools, more schools growing their own food, and more schools adopting healthy eating policies – I will be continuing to engage with the education stakeholders to find ways of achieving these goals.