Vol. 560 No. 1
705 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if health impact assessment has been introduced, in accordance with the target outlined in the national health strategy, as part of the public policy process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1716/03]
Health impact assessment is a combination of procedures, methods and tools by which a policy, programme or project may be judged as to its potential effects on the health of a population and the distribution of those effects within the population. It can operate at local, regional, national and international level.
Preliminary work has been carried out on the introduction of health impact assessment. The priorities for 2003 are the development of an appropriate methodology which uses health impact assessment tools and the provision of training for individuals and organisations as part of the capacity building process. There is added value in developing this work on an all-Ireland basis and the Institute of Public Health is facilitating capacity development for both my Department and the Department of Health and Social Services in Belfast. It is anticipated that the initial work on methodology will be completed shortly and that training will commence in the next few months.
The health strategy also recommended the establishment of a population health division in my Department and each health board which would facilitate health impact assessment and promote health proofing of all government decisions. The establishment of a population health division is currently being considered in the context of the restructuring plans for my Department. Work on restructuring is being carried out in parallel with the audit of structures and functions of the health system which is currently under way.
