Dáil Éireann - Volume 312 - 28 February, 1979

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Nutritional Values.

Mr. J. Walsh Mr. J. Walsh

406

[406] 19. Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will promote the relative nutritional values of the normal range of foods available to the public in general, and especially to the schools.

Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey

Mr. Haughey: As I indicated in a reply to a parliamentary question on this subject on 19 October last, the Health Education Bureau have initiated a public education programme about maintenance of a healthy bodyweight which makes use of a chart indicating the sources which provide the nutrients necessary for a balanced diet.

I also asked the Food Advisory Committee to prepare further details of the intake of nutrients from food and drink and I hope to have these available shortly. This information will then be used by the Health Education Bureau to complement their existing campaign and it will be suitable for use in schools.

Mr. Bruton Mr. Bruton

Mr. Bruton: Will the Minister state if this will include obtaining value for money? Very often people spend money unwisely for little nutritional value.

Mr. Haughey Mr. Haughey

Mr. Haughey: No. We are primarily concerned with the medical and nutritional aspects.

Mr. Bruton Mr. Bruton

Mr. Bruton: Would the Minister not agree that the Department of Social Welfare would be concerned with the other issue and that it might be as well to co-ordinate activity?

An Ceann Comhairle Joseph Brennan

An Ceann Comhairle: That is a separate question.

Dáil Éireann 312 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Food Nutritional Values.

Questions

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