Health Minister James Reilly should develop a national physical activity plan for all age groups, according to the Seanad Public Consultation Committee.

It says such a policy should include the extension of bike and walking schemes and to ensure that these are central to urban planning.

A Committee report on tackling smoking, obesity and alcohol misuse, published today, has called for:

·  A ban on cigarette vending machines, price reductions on nicotine replacement drugs and mandatory plain packaging for cigarettes.

·  The introduction of nationwide weight management programmes, healthy eating guidelines and appropriate physical activity programmes in schools, a funded campaign to increase breast-feeding and early-years nationwide diet and nutrition programmes, targeted at parents.

· The introduction of a minimum  price for alcohol, the launch of a national information campaign linking alcohol consumption directly to many cancers and mandatory alcohol labelling warnings about cancer.

According to Committee Chairman, Senator Denis O' Donovan says Ireland has some of the highest cancer rates in the world.

"Changes in lifestyle can prevent approximately one third of cancers. The report calls for joined-up Government policy to help Irish people eat healthier, drink less alcohol and quit smoking."