Meeting of the Parliament 19 June 2019
I do agree with that point, and I am going to speak about some of the ways in which we can tackle the issue. When we speak about poverty and food poverty, parental alcohol or drug abuse has an impact, so it is very important that we deal with it.
My final point is about the other side of the debate: how we can encourage better choices and behaviours. Limiting the marketing of health-harming products to our children and young people is, of course, commendable. However, are we doing all that we can to market and promote health-enhancing behaviours? I suggest that there is a lot more that we can do to make such opportunities more accessible and affordable, irrespective of background or personal circumstances. In adopting that approach, this Parliament could really grasp the preventative health agenda and develop policies that catch our poor health outcomes further upstream, offering not only a better budget spend but, more importantly, far better long-term health outcomes.
How we help to build and support our communities is extremely important in that challenge. Supporting our third sector will be key; giving communities the opportunities to play and to take part in sports, physical activities, art, drama and music will have a significant impact in tackling the issues that we are discussing.
There is much more that I would love to say on this important debate. I again thank Kenny Gibson for giving us the opportunity.
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