asked the Minister for Health if he would be prepared to set up a National Fitness Council for the purpose of improving the physical development of the youth of Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Physical Development of Youth.
The establishment of a National Fitness Council would presumably be related to proposals for the promotion and encouragement of physical culture, athletics and other forms of sport.
I doubt the advisability of permitting such matters to be organised or controlled by the State. It would be preferable that any steps for the establishment of a body to deal with the question of physical fitness should be taken by the appropriate voluntary organisations.
I would point out that the National Health Council has been established to give to the Minister for Health when so required by him advice on matters affecting or incidental to the health of the people and such advice can cover questions of physical development which might arise for consideration in so far as the health services are concerned.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that there is a precedent for this in other countries, such as Australia where, in conjunction with the Department of Education, a health fitness council has been established and its work is tending towards the eradication of disease gradually in that country?
I am not aware that there is such a precedent as the one to which the Deputy refers. My opinion is that it is not advisable that such matters should be controlled by the State, however satisfactory that control may be in other countries.