Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2005
135 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the extent of marketing of unhealthy foods to children as described in a recent report (details supplied); if her attention has further been drawn to the increasing levels of obesity in Irish children; her views regarding the risk of future health problems arising from childhood obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36873/05]
View answerI am aware of the report mentioned by the Deputy. An implementation plan for the report of the National Task Force on Obesity is currently being developed by my Department which will involve all relevant stakeholders including the food industry. Additional funding of €3 million has been made available to the Health Service Executive in the Book of Estimates to support the implementation of the report's recommendations.
I recently launched a campaign to tackle excessive weight and obesity as a response to the growing levels of overweight and obesity in Ireland. Take 5 Steps . . . to a Healthier You promotes two main lifestyle areas — healthy eating and regular physical activity.
A high profile programme of activity will be carried out nationwide, including the distribution of leaflets and posters; materials for schools, workplaces and health professionals; national promotions; competitions and many other localised events, which will be organised by the community nutrition and dietetic service and the physical activity co-ordinators in the health promotion department of the Health Service Executive.
