Hanafin won’t crack down on junk food

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.

“Schools are privately- owned, privately-managed institutions which, although funded by the State, enjoy a large degree of autonomy,” Ms Hanafin said.

“It is, therefore, primarily a matter for each school to decide on the types of food that are available on the school premises.”