asked the Minister for Health if he will undertake an intensive campaign to draw attention to the ever-increasing number of deaths from heart disease in this country by arranging television and radio broadcasts, distributing literature and encouraging health authorities actively to interest themselves in the organisation of such a nation-wide campaign on this problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deaths from Heart Disease.
104.
I am very conscious of the increasing incidence of mortality from heart disease in this country. My Department, as a part of its education and information programme, loses no suitable opportunity to educate public opinion as to the factors which may contribute to this hazard to health. For example, my Department has encouraged the Irish Heart Foundation in every way possible. A principal objective of this Foundation is the education of the public in measures which can be taken to reduce the incidence of heart disease. Health authorities have been urged to co-operate with the foundation in this work. My Department also has used, and will continue to use, television in this important area.
Might I add that I regard active participation in sport as very important for young people and that, as they grow older, they should continue to take such exercise as will enable them to keep fit.