Vol. 435 No. 9
57 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Northern Ireland health authorities have set themselves a target of reducing the number of deaths from stroke by the end of the century by 25 per cent as against 1989 figures; if any similar quantified targets have been set for the health services here; and, if not, the reason for this.
222 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Northern Ireland health authorities have set themselves a target of reducing the number of deaths from ischaemic heart disease amongst 35 to 64 year olds by 15 per cent over the ten year period 1987 to 1997; if any similar quantified targets have been set for this State; and, if not, the reason.
223 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Northern Ireland health authorities have set a target for the reduction in excessive alcohol consumption to the effect that the proportion of 12 to 64 years olds consuming above the recommended sensible limits for alcohol consumption should be reduced by a third by the year 1997; and the plans, if any, he has to introduce similar quantified targets for health promotion activity here, so as to provide an adequate focus for public expenditure in the area of health promotion.
224 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Northern Ireland health authorities have set a quantified target for the prevention of heart disease, by reducing the proportion of energy derived from saturated fat in the diet of Northern Ireland residents from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent by the year 1997; and if he will set a similar quantified target for health promotion activities here in this matter; and if he will give comparable data in regard to this matter in respect of this State.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 222, 223 and 224 together. The Deputy will be aware that I have announced my intention to publish a National Health Strategy in the near future. This strategy will encompass a significant element of health promotion and will set goals and targets, covering the issues raised in the Deputy's questions.
