Vol. 572 No. 2
144 Mr. O'Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the priorities of his Department in respect of Ireland's Presidency of the European Union in 2004; if his attention has been drawn to the interest being generated by these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22658/03]
The priorities identified for the forthcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of Ministers in the area of public health are those matters which will be addressed in the context of the work programme of the Employment, Social Protect, Health and Consumer Affairs Council.
Closely linked to the EU public health programme, 2003 to 2008, cardiovascular heart disease which causes over 1.5 million deaths per annum in the EU will be addressed by the Council in 2004. In particular, attention will be given to the issues of risk factors and optimum behaviours for cardiovascular health.
The Council will actively seek to progress proposals on tobacco control measures and priority will be given to the ratification of the WHO framework convention on tobacco control and preparation of the protocols to be drawn up under the convention. Protocols are likely on illicit trade, advertising and passive smoking.
The Council may also address EU participation in the proposed revision of the international health regulations of the WHO.
The Council looks forward to the establishment of a European centre for disease prevention and control and hopes to advance the proposals for the establishment of the centre in 2005. This would build on the good work already being done by the Community Network on Communicable Diseases which has been co-ordinating the actions of member states up to the present. The Council should also finalise dossiers in the areas of tissues and cells and the pharmaceutical review package. The Council will continue its consideration of the proposed action plan on environment and health.
Patient mobility issues and other EU health care considerations are under examination in the high level process of reflection. A Commission communication arising from this process is expected in March 2004.
The EU public health programme has, as priorities, the creation of a public health portal, validation of health websites and improvement in collection and analysis of EU health data/information. The Council will facilitate promotion of e-health in these areas. Agreement on a proposal for amendments to the regulations to facilitate the introduction of the European health insurance card will also be sought.
I can assure the Deputy that I am fully aware of the European public's interest in seeing action across the maximum range of areas possible so as to improve the levels of public health generally in Europe. I am, personally, fully committed to ensuring the maximum progress possible is made during the Irish Presidency.
