The Opposition has presented a private member's bill aimed to combat obesity. The bill was presented this afternoon by deputy leader Mario de Marco together with PN spokesman for youth and sport Robert Cutajar.

The bill proposes the setting up of an advisory council on health lifestyle. This will give recommendations on action plans, strategies, and even the kind of food which can be consumed in schools.

It also calls for a minimum number of hours dedicated for physical education in schools.

The bill also proposes the ring fencing of funds dedicated for sports at a local council level.

Mr Cutajar said that the aim is to make prospective parents aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle as part of the pre-natal courses. He said that problems related to obesity and a lack of healthy lifestyle are costing some €19 million a year. Mr Cutajar said that the bill also called for better utilisation of sport facilities in schools.

In addition every day centre would have to be equipped with a gym and an instructor. Mr Cutajar said that early feedback from the parliamentary secretary for sport was positive.

Dr de Marco referred to recent reports on obesity among the Maltese, saying that this is also having financial repercussions on the tax payers. He added that on health issues there needed to be a consensus.

Speaker Anglu Farrugia said that this was an example that the Opposition was alive and pledged to do his best to debate the bill in the near future.