Support for councillors’ committee
Senator Noone supports the proposed cross-party committee on councillors’ conditions, including reform of class K contributions, and welcomes the issue being advanced.
I apologise for the error. I think everyone knew what I meant.
I support Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor. I am delighted we have cross-party support because with new politics, it will require the support of all the political parties to get it through. It is not exactly a popular move in how the public might perceive it. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy :Leo Varadkar, has already shown a willingness to improve the class K contribution, which is important. I am glad that the issue is on the agenda.
For several weeks I conducted a survey at supermarkets around the Dublin area on the issue of sugar and food labelling. Among parents, it seems there is some deception as to how food producers put the content of sugar, salt and other ingredients on labels.
With regard to one yoghurt, in particular, of the people questioned, 61% incorrectly believed that the product was a healthy choice for their child. It is worrying that even though parents are trying hard to decipher their labels, food companies are making it difficult for them. I compliment an initiative by Q102, a Dublin radio station, which has been good at highlighting matters such as this. It gives a Sugar Savvy Card to listeners which outlines basic facts such as 4g of sugar equalling one teaspoon and sugar consumption per day, which should be no more than 12 teaspoons for an adult. The card also highlights the different ways sugar can be described on a menu, including syrup, honey, malt, cane, molasses and so on. I raise this issue frequently and I am sure I sound like a killjoy, but this is important. I would be grateful if the Leader would agree to bring the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, to the House discuss this issue in the near future. There are issues relating to EU law when it comes to traffic light labelling which would make life simpler for consumers.