asked the Minister for Health the action, if any, he has taken since he took office to ensure that greater resources are applied to preventive health care; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
200.
Written Answers. - Preventive Health Care.
20.
asked the Minister for Health the activities undertaken by the Health Promotion Unit of his Department in 1988; and if he will give details of any new policy initiative taken in the period since the establishment of that unit.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 200 together.
Since taking office as Minister for Health, I have made it clear to the health boards in discussions with them, this Government's policy in regard to the protection of key community care services. I have asked the health boards to ensure that resources be made available to further the enhancement of critical primary care services as key elements in preventive health policy. This policy was reflected, for example, in the 1988 expenditure figures on the health protection programme which showed an estimated increase from £19.7 million to £20.0 million and at a time when the general hospital programme was showing a decrease.
My decision to establish the health promotion unit in my Department in January of this year also helps to ensure that greater resources are applied to preventive health care.
Since its establishment on 1 January 1988 the health promotion unit has undertaken the following major projects.
Anti-Smoking
The unit participated in the national smokeout campaign and is at present developing a new anti-smoking campaign for 1989.
AIDS Awareness
The health promotion unit has a continuing poster and media campaign against AIDS which is aimed at the high risk groups. For World AIDS Day on 1 December 1988, the unit intensified this activity and also made available through pharmacists, an information booklet on AIDS.
Healthy Lifestyles
The health promotion unit is at present working with the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation in the development of materials and a programme for promoting healthy lifestyles. This programme will address issues such as diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol.
Drugs and Alcohol
"Drug Questions—Local Answers", a community based approach to combating drug and alcohol abuse was launched in May. Nine training courses for convenors of this programme have already been carried out with at least one in each health board area. One hundred and fifty convenors have been trained to date. A further course for the Eastern Health Board area will take place in January 1989.
CLEANWATCH
The unit, in association with the public health division of the Department, the Environment Health Officers' Association and the food trade launched a major food hygiene campaign, titled "CLEANWATCH" in May, 1988. This campaign is of continuing relevance as a support to the tourist industry.
Immunisation
Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
In October 1988 the health promotion unit in association with the public health division launched a measles, mumps and rubella immunisation programme. This initiative was taken against a background of continuing high incidence of the three diseases in question and in the light of the success of similar immunisation programmes in other countries. The campaign which is aimed at children between 15 months and five years has the objective of achieving a 90 per cent uptake in the period October to March 1990.
Europe Against Cancer Year, 1989
I have established a national co-ordinating group to plan and oversee activities for 1989 which will highlight the cancer problem in Ireland. The group includes representatives of the health promotion unit of my Department, the Irish Cancer Society, the Irish Heart Foundation, GP groups, An Bord Altranais and the Departments of Education and Labour. The group is preparing a programme of activities to focus public attention on cancer during 1989. This programme will include elements dealing with each of the ten points in the European Cancer Code. Activities under this programme will include a new anti-smoking public education campaign, conferences on various cancer related topics, a school programme and a mobile cancer education unit, among others. The full details of the programme will be announced publicly in January.
Public Information Services
The health promotion unit provides a public information service on various health topics, campaigns etc., by providing printed materials on health matters to health workers, schools and the general public.
Voluntary Organisations
The unit has provided financial and other assistance to a wide range of voluntary organisations throughout the year to assist these bodies to produce health information materials and organise health related seminars.
Advisory Council on Health Promotion
In addition to the health promotion unit, I also established in January 1988 the advisory council on health promotion, whose remit is to make recommendations to me for changes in public policy which will impact on the health of the community.
The council has examined, in particular, the areas of nutrition, alcohol, tobacco and accidents and has made a number of recommendations to me related to these areas. In particular, the council recommended the development of a national policy on alcohol which would take into account the full range of health, social and economic questions involved. I have now received the agreement of the Government to have such a policy drafted under the auspices of the advisory council on health promotion.
Chair of Health promotion, University College Galway
I recently announced sponsorship of a Chair of Health Promotion at UCG. This is a major new development, involving significant investment over the next seven years and reflects my commitment to the development of health promotion as a cornerstone of future health policy.