I propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 507 together.
Healthy Ireland, A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, which was launched in March 2013, is the national framework for action to improve the health and wellbeing of the country over the coming generation. The Healthy Ireland Framework takes a “whole of Government” and “whole of society” approach to improving health and wellbeing which is based on the international experience and thinking in addressing the broad social determinants of health.
The Framework
provides for new arrangements to ensure effective co-operation between the health sector and other areas of Government, public services, the community and voluntary sector, the business community and individuals. While many of the elements of the Healthy Ireland Framework are beginning to move into the 'implementing and operationalising' stage of policy implementation, the broad and complex nature of the Framework and the significant change agenda associated with its implementation requires that a critical focus remains on the wider enablers of implementation such as stakeholder consultation, building a supportive culture, communication and leadership.
It is important to acknowledge that it takes time to ensure this enabling environment is appropriately built and strengthened, to build close links and working relationships with key areas in other Government Departments to progress the 'whole of government' approach underpinning the Framework and to identify potential barriers or progress and find solutions, and to exploit opportunities to progress a 'Health in All Policies' approach.
The implementation of the Healthy Ireland Framework is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform, chaired by An Taoiseach. Implementation is supported by a Cross Sectoral Group comprising senior officials from key Government Departments and agencies and by a Healthy Ireland Council whose membership derives from a range of stakeholders and sectors. The co-ordination of the implementation of the Framework is driven by the Health and Wellbeing Programme in the Department of Health, which has a complement of 6.8 staff and the expenditure by the Programme is met directly from the Department of Health vote.
The initial phase of implementation (2013/14) has focussed on establishing the underpinning architecture, and accountability structures and mechanisms; building the capacity of the Programme and embedding its work in the Department's overall responsibilities and work; establishing and supporting the HSE capacity around health and wellbeing through the Health and Wellbeing Division; identifying and building key strategic relationships and partnerships across a range of cross-sectoral partners; and initiating a number of foundational projects.
The Healthy Ireland agenda is clearly reflected in the priorities for 2015-2017 published by my Department earlier this year. Under the priority area 'Driving the Healthy Ireland agenda', deliverables include the publication of a first Healthy Ireland Survey; publication and implementation of a National Physical Activity Plan which has been developed in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport and other stakeholders; introduction of public health legislation on alcohol; development of a national 'Healthy Workplace' framework across public and private sector; publication of an Obesity Policy; publication of a Sexual Health Strategy; and development of an Outcomes Framework.
The Programme has established a good foundation for driving the 'whole of government' approach, which is now entering a critical stage to make real impact in terms of improving communications, efficiency, coherence and accountability across linked policy areas, as well as making progress on integrating policy development and implementation and delivering a comprehensive policy and legislative programme across a range of public health and societal challenges.
I am satisfied that the Healthy Ireland policy initiative continues to make good progress towards the goals set out in the Framework and will have made a lasting contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of the Irish population by 2025. In addition to the achievements and progress listed above much progress has been made in relation to the 'whole of society' engagement which is critical to the implementation of the sustainable culture change envisaged in the Healthy Ireland Framework, and in particular with the Healthy Ireland Council. I would like to acknowledge the support received from other Departments and agencies in relation to the ongoing work.
