The 1992 funding available to the health promotion unit from my Department's Estimate represents an increase of 20 per cent over last year's figure. This reflects the Government's commitment to health promotion and the necessary support for the unit's programmes.
The health promotion unit within my Department has a dual remit in terms of developing national health promotion policies and in developing and implementing health promotion programmes. A national nutrition plan was launched in 1991, a national strategy on health promotion is currently being prepared by the unit and the unit is a key participant with the Advisory Council on Health Promotion in developing a national policy on alcohol. The unit also has an executive remit, and has developed and is implementing national programmes on anti-tobacco, AIDS, alcohol, drugs, nutrition and lifestyle programmes.
I am sure the Deputy will agree that the health promotion unit provides a very active and comprehensive range of effective health promotion programmes. With reference to the first part of the Deputy's question, I am still considering whether this unit serves the best purpose being attached to the Department or whether it would be better as an independent unit. I am looking into this matter.