Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
765. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when the progress report on A Healthy Weight for Ireland, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31704/20]
View answer766. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the evaluation of A Healthy Weight for Ireland, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan that is being prepared by the Health Research Board Centre for Diet and Health Research, University College Cork; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31705/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 765 and 766 together.
A Healthy Weight for Ireland’, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland agenda. The OPAP covers a 10-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. The Plan recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. The OPAP is based on the best available evidence in the Irish and international literature, and is informed by established international models and frameworks.
Completion of the progress report of each recommendation of the OPAP was delayed due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on Departmental business. However, it is now in the final stages of design and proofing and is expected to be completed and published within the next few weeks.
The evaluation of the OPAP being carried out by the Health Research Board Centre for Health and Diet Research is at an advanced stage, and it is expected that this will be published in late 2020 or early 2021.
