Vol. 554 No. 5
927 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider introduc ing measures to help prevent eating disorders, including preventative programmes in schools and public information measures such as an eating distress awareness week, in order to address this growing problem; if he will review current treatment provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15508/02]
The Department of Health and Children recognises the importance of introducing measures to prevent eating disorders. In relation to public information measures, the health promotion unit of my Department has published a leaflet on eating disorders in association with BODYWHYS a support organisation for persons with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. This leaflet is available through the Department of Health and Children and health boards nationwide.
In relation to preventative measures The National Health Promotion Strategy 2000-05 has as one of its key objectives to promote healthy eating habits and a healthy body image among school going-children and young people. The health promotion unit of my Department, the community nutrition and dietetic services in health boards, and the schools health promotion teams have been working together to draw up "Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Schools" which will be available before the end of the year. My Department has invested heavily in community nutrition and dietetic services in health boards and in schools health promotion officers in the last five years to help influence and encourage healthy eating behaviours especially in children. Community dietitians also work in the general practice setting, and therefore are more accessible to work with people with eating disorders. Another key objective in the national health promotion strategy 2000-05 is to work in partnership with the Department of Education and Science to support the implementation of the social, personal and health education curriculum in all schools consistent with the health promoting school concept. The health promotion unit is working with the Department of Education and Science to draw up appropriate nutrition education tools for schools.
Other healthy eating initiatives for schools include the healthy school lunch policy and the attitude and behavioural programme – nutrition education at primary schools and the Department of Health and Children's participation in the recent review of the school meals scheme.
The health behaviour in school-aged children surveys, 1997-8 and currently, carried out every four years also provide important research information which helps inform nutrition and other lifestyle behaviour programmes undertaken by my Department.
