Sir, – The health implications of excessive sugar are serious. The threat of obesity is particularly acute in Ireland as we are on course to become the most obese nation in Europe by 2030, according to the World Health Organisation. The Green Party proposal to have a free or subsidised meals for schoolchildren would give every schoolchild one healthy meal per day at a cost of €300 million per year.
The long-term health benefits would create savings for our health system in multiples of this figure.
The introduction of nutrition as a subject in secondary schools would further increase awareness among children of healthy diet and lifestyle.
A sugar tax would be an effective way of reducing consumption of high sugar foods in the home.
We must take action now. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK MURPHY,
Nenagh,
Co Tipperary.
