Senator Catherine Noone: Pokémon Go could tackle Ireland’s obesity crisis

The Government should provide money in the next budget for apps such as Pokémon Go to tackle the country’s obesity problem, according to Fine Gael senator Catherine Noone.

In the Seanad yesterday, Ms Noone said the new mobile game Pokémon Go is inspiring “teens to get out of the house and walk”, and added that her Government should seek to financially “support video gaming companies” who create apps that get people exercising.

“Pokémon Go seems to motivate young people, even those who have not been active for some time,” said Ms Noone. “There are cases in the US of previously inactive people getting out and walking for miles to try to increase their Pokémon stash.”