The individual referred to by the Deputy has made contact with my Department and has also met with the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children. I understand that the initiative referred to by the Deputy provides a range of programmes and products for schools, community groups and corporate events, which involve interactive workshops on food choices, the preparation and cooking of food and the various skills involved. They also provide modules and lesson plans for implementation by schools, recipe books, posters, and offer advice to schools on school menus and approaches to promote positive nutrition. The programmes and advice offered appear to be in line with a variety of UK national initiatives that promote healthy nutritional choices.
It is a matter for individual schools if they wish to engage with this company as part of their strategies to promote health and wellbeing. It should be noted that the subjects Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Physical Education (PE) at primary level, and these subjects together with Home Economics at second level cover the areas of healthy eating and the food pyramid, healthy lifestyle, physical health, body care, exercise, relaxation and diet. They are evaluated in schools by the inspectorate using indicators specific to primary and to second-level schools as appropriate.
Addressing the obesity issue requires a multifaceted approach that involves the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes that influence behaviour on food selection and consumption and also engagement in appropriate levels of physical activity. Many schools are making conscious efforts to support students in the development of these behaviours to promote health and wellbeing. Schools in Ireland also have a strong and proud tradition of developing sport outside of the school time-table. Sports organisations such as the Gaelic Athletic Association, Basketball Ireland, and the Football Association of Ireland provide extensive opportunities for schools to participate in sport.
Schools have worked on devising healthy lunch policies as part of Social, Personal and Health Education and Physical Education The curriculum support services at primary and post primary level have a number of activities in place to promote healthy living in schools, and Healthy Eating policies. Planning templates to assist in school planning for the implementation of the PE Curriculum and the wider aspects of physical activity and school sport are also available. In addition extensive opportunities for professional development for teachers are provided in this area, including in SPHE, PE and Home Economics.
The majority of schools currently participating in the School Completion Programme operate breakfast clubs or other meal provision, in accordance with the Nutritional Guidelines issued by the Department of Social Protection. In addition, the Food Dudes programme is being rolled out on a national basis to all primary schools over a 5 year period. My Department also promotes Sport for All Day, the Active School Awards and National Healthy Eating Week.
The 2008 State of the Nation's Children Report shows that children in Ireland are doing well on physical activity, ranking first among the 40 countries surveyed in being physically active for at least four hours per week.
