‘Ban vending machines in schools to fight youth obesity’

A report has called for the banning of vending machines selling unhealthy drinks and snacks in schools as part of the fight against childhood obesity.

The Joint Oireachtas committee on education and skills study also recommended that fresh drinking water be made available to children and that green areas be protected for school use for sport and exercise.

Almost one-in-three Irish children were overweight in 2016, and about one in ten were deemed obese.

Appealing for Richard Bruton to look into the possibility of establishing fixed playgrounds in all primary schools, the committee said that children should also be encouraged to exercise during break times.

Last year the Education Minister said he had no intention of legislating on the issue of vending machines.

The report also advised that schools without access to PE facilities be prioritised under building programmes so that it could be easily introduced as a State examination. The idea of using the money from the sugar tax to promote healthy living should also be explored, it said.

Responding to the study, the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland said it was pleased the committee had taken note of recommendations made by teachers and schools.

However, it said schools would need support in implementing the recommendations, saying: ‘In our presentation... we pointed out some of the challenges faced by schools in promoting healthy lifestyles.’ These include inadequate PE halls and poor or non-existent canteen facilities, a spokesman said.