Calls for vending machines to be banned in Co Kildare schools to tackle childhood obesity

By Kim O'Leary

Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin TD, Chair of the Joint Committee of Education and Skills has highlighted a report published by the committee which makes a number of recommendations aimed at countering childhood obesity.

Guidelines outlined within this report include placing an outright ban on vending machines in schools, making fresh water freely available to students and promoting physical exercise during break times.

Deputy O’Loughlin remarked:“The problem of childhood obesity needs to be tackled by both schools and through parental intervention at home.  The committee is gravely concerned about the prevalence of childhood obesity in Ireland and the potential for a future health epidemic.  With this in mind, we decided to produce a report that would make practical recommendations that could be incorporated into the Government’s plans for tackling this issue. The committee is focused on promoting greater access to physical education within schools and the banning of unhealthy snacks within canteens and vending machines”.

“In 2016, 1 in 3 children were overweight and 1 in 10 were deemed obese.  Obesity costs the State approximately €1 billion annually in treating individuals who are overweight or obese and so it is essential that ongoing and sustainable school programmes, teacher training and training for communities and parents are in place to reverse obesity trends.," she said.

“The Committee hopes that this report will inform the Minster for Education and skills policy developments within this area and we look forward to seeing the implementation of some or all of our recommendations,” concluded Deputy O’Loughlin.