A CLAMPDOWN on the advertising of unhealthy food at children and an increase in funding for PE in schools is needed if Ireland’s childhood obesity rates, which are higher than the European average, are to be tackled, according to the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF).

The National Heart Alliance (NHA) and Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) have called for the Government to take steps to protect children from food marketing, to help tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity.

The National Heart Alliance has called for a ban on the advertising of unhealthy foods to children.

EDUCATION Minister Mary Hanafin says she won’t intervene to prevent junk food being advertised or sold in schools, despite the growing number of children who are overweight.