Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2014
104. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will co-ordinate a strategy between the Health Service Executive and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to promote a healthy lifestyle programme for Irish youths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35762/14]
View answerHealthy Ireland, A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, was launched in March 2013. It is the national framework for action to improve the health and well-being of the country over the coming generation. One of the priority actions being undertaken under Healthy Ireland is the development of a National Physical Activity Plan. My Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport are currently co-chairing a working group developing this Plan. The group, which comprises key stakeholders with an interest and an expertise in physical activity, is focusing attention on operational issues to encourage greater participation in, and greater recognition of, the importance of physical activity. A draft plan will be circulated for consultation shortly and it is anticipated that the plan will be launched early in 2015.
In addition to the development of the physical activity plan, a range of other initiatives which support, encourage and promote healthy lifestyles are already in existence, details of some of which are available on the HSE's website at www.hse.ie and on www.healthpromotion.ie. My Department is also working with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in the implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People and with the HSE, the Department of Education and Skills and the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) to strengthen collaboration, streamlining and simplifying current oversight structures for SPHE in schools. Many other initiatives which promote healthy lifestyles are also delivered by a range of community and voluntary organisations all around Ireland.
