I propose to take Questions Nos. 782 and 783 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.
The progress report on each recommendation of the OPAP has been completed and publication is expected in early February.
The evaluation of the OPAP being carried out by the Health Research Board Centre for Health and Diet Research is well advanced, but it has been delayed by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is anticipated that it will be completed and published by the end of April.