Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
256. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a question will be included on the income levels provided to schools by vending machines as part of the life skills survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40049/18]
View answerThe Lifeskills Survey data provides important information which informs Departmental priorities and policies in the areas of health and wellbeing for students. The findings from the survey highlight the work being done in schools to equip students with a range of essential lifeskills, including physical activity and healthy eating, aspects of Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), as well as addressing anti-bullying, substance use and road safety.
Previous surveys included a question relating to the availability of vending machines in schools. This question is directly relevant to the promotion of healthy eating in schools. The inclusion of a question regarding income levels provided to schools by vending machines is not, however, relevant to the topics explored in the Lifeskills survey and, therefore, a question on this will not be included in the 2018 survey.
