54 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the Irish food industry to address the issues of obesity in the Irish population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40526/06]

74 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the farmers’ representative organisations with a view to addressing the obesity issues in the Irish population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40521/06]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 74 together.

Obesity is, I believe, an immensely important issue for the future health of our society and demands a multifaceted response as indicated in the Report of the National Taskforce on Obesity which made recommendations for cross sectoral actions in areas including education, social and community, health, food supply and the physical environment. The recommendations to my Department have been addressed by way of specific healthy food initiatives such as the promotion of school milk and fruit and vegetables.

I have consistently encouraged the agrifood industry to maintain its focus on meeting the requirements of health conscious consumers and have welcomed industry initiative to promote healthy lifestyles. Following consultation with the food industry and research institutions on funding of public good research, food and health was selected as a key theme in the 2006 call for research proposals under the FIRM programme.