Emer Higgins, TD

To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on proposals to reduce the €1.6 billion costs related to obesity to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider either this year or for next year's budget dealing with the anomaly caused by the €60,000 threshold attracting a 7% universal social charge whereby an income of €60,0011 produces a loss of €13,000 in income; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have spoken on this issue twice in recent months, but I wish to make further points and to amplify points I have made previously.