Madam, - The time has come for the Government to ban television advertisements of food and drink products that are high in fat, salt and sugar and which specifically target children under 16. Child obesity is a serious problem in Ireland and in Europe and this problem must be effectively tackled head on.
Such a ban is being introduced in Britain after four years of extensive research and consultation. This included 2,000 interviews with children, parents and teachers as well as details of family eating habits drawn from a panel of 11,000 people. It clearly found that television advertising does affect children's dietary preferences.
The protection of our children must be our overriding interest at all times. - Yours, etc,
LIAM AYLWARD TD MEP,
Hugginstown,
Co Kilkenny.