Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
471. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education the actions that have been undertaken by her Department on foot of the recommendations of the Report on Tackling Childhood Obesity published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs in November 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1044/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs Report on Tackling Childhood Obesity followed ten days of hearings from stakeholders, including a number of Government Departments, and the receipt of a number of written submissions. The Report contained 20 recommendations for action under a number of headings and was published in October 2018.
The principal policy instrument for combatting obesity in Ireland is ‘A Healthy Weight for Ireland’, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), which was launched in September 2016 under the Healthy Ireland Framework. The OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. The Plan is a whole-of-government, cross-sectoral plan and recognises that obesity is a complex, multifaceted problem which needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. The recommendations in the Joint Oireachtas Committee report are broadly aligned with the actions in the Obesity Policy and Action Plan.
Work has been progressing on a number of fronts in relation to the areas covered in the recommendations of the Joint Committee Report and the actions in the OPAP. The Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality and Integration has requested an update on the recommendations of the Report on Tackling Childhood Obesity, and it is expected that a comprehensive update will issue shortly.
Obesity, and in particular childhood obesity, is a priority area for the Government, as reflected in the Programme for Government, "Our Shared Future". It is also a high priority of mine in my capacity as Minister for Education. My Department works very closely with the Department of Health in promoting the 'Healthy Ireland' agenda in schools and is represented on the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group and the National Physical Activity Plan Implementation Group.
Schools and the wider education sector have a vital role to play in contributing to the Government's 'Healthy Ireland' agenda.
All schools are required to deliver physical education as part of the curriculum. Healthy lifestyles guidance was issued to all schools and was developed in consultation with the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. It aims to support and strengthen schools efforts in developing in young people the skills and attitudes needed to make informed decisions about their health.
Through their primary and post primary education students are equipped with the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make healthier life choices. Schools' efforts should be complemented by students' families and their community.
