Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
629. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 813 of 5 March 2020, when the progress report on each recommendation in A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan will be finalised under the aegis of the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group; when same will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4623/20]
View answer‘A Healthy Weight for Ireland’, the Government’s Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland agenda. It covers a ten year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. It must be emphasised that every sector of our society has a role in reducing the burden of obesity and the OPAP clearly acknowledges this.
An Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group (OPIOG) was established in October 2017 and the progress report on each recommendation in the OPAP is currently being finalised under the aegis of the OPIOG. The progress report is at an advanced stage and it is hoped to finalise it in the near future, with publication to follow quickly thereafter. However, the Department's resources are currently focused on the Covid-19 crisis as a priority, and this has consequently had an impact upon other aspects of Departmental business.
