Coordinating obesity initiatives
The Leader acknowledges Senators’ concerns about childhood obesity and says existing research, consultation and community work need better coordination.
Officials in various Departments will have to look a lot more carefully at the suggestions and Bills introduced by Members of this House.
Senators Catherine Noone, Cáit Keane, Susan O'Keeffe and Eamonn Coghlan referred to obesity levels in children. As Senator Susan O'Keeffe said, there is a working group on obesity. We had our own public consultation report, as well as Senator Eamonn Coghlan's report. As he stated, many people are doing good work in that area such as PE teachers and members of various groups, but we need that work to be co-ordinated and focused. I appreciate the work he is doing. I doubt that I would be able to run 5 km, but I will certainly take up the challenge of walking it.
Senator Terry Leyden raised issues concerning the Garda Síochána. I honestly thought the Senator, Senator Darragh O'Brien or somebody else would answer the question which I asked on Tuesday concerning from where the extra €90 million in cuts in the recovery plan for the Garda for last year, this year and next year would come.