Phil Hogan
Question:470 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health if he will make funds available to continue the Kilkenny Health Project, County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Kilkenny Health Project.
The Kilkenny health project, as the Deputy is aware, was a community based research and demonstration pilot project funded by my Department and aimed at reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Last December the project submitted their report to my Department. It is a major objective of such a pilot project to provide lessons and experiences which can inform decisions about the interventions most likely to succeed at national level in reducing the incidence of heart disease.
My Department's health promotion unit is currently preparing a national health promotion strategy document which will seek to develop an agenda for national planning from which national priorities will emerge. It will be acknowledged in this strategy that heart disease is the major cause of morbidity and premature mortality in Ireland and as such will be afforded the highest priority. The lessons to be learned from the Kilkenny health project will be fully considered in the context of finalising the preparation of this strategy and it is my intention that significant funding will continue to be made available to address this serious health problem.