SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has raised the issue of sugar tax with senior departmental officials demanding that it be ring-fenced and spent directly on tackling obesity and diabetes.The Foyle MLA said: “I have been able to ascertain from the Permanent Secretary that, following its introduction in April 2018, it is estimated that the Sugar Tax will generate revenue of between 12 and 14 million pounds in the next financial year.
“We are all well aware of the massive and growing pressures in our health service.
“My fear is that this money may be sucked into the black hole of the Departments finances rather than spent on tackling the issue it was specifically designed to combat.
“The pressures on our health system can only be alleviated by us keeping people healthier and reducing their dependency on healthcare.
“Nowhere near enough is spent here on health awareness promotion and preventative measures, but now we have an opportunity to get more to do just that.
“The best way to prevent obesity and some diabetic conditions is through early intervention, the earlier the better.
“I believe that money raised through the sugar tax therefore should be spent on our schools to ensure our young people are getting sufficient exercise and education that will help to ensure their health now and in the future,” added the former Environment Minister.
