Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023
476. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the person or body that will be representing Ireland at the High-level Meeting on Childhood Obesity - A comprehensive framework to reduce childhood obesity in the EU in Spain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43547/23]
View answerIn the context of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second half of 2023, the Spanish Ministry of Health is hosting a high-level meeting on "Childhood Obesity - A comprehensive framework to reduce childhood obesity in the EU". The aim of the meeting is to contribute to the advancement of cross-sectoral policies for the prevention of childhood obesity in the European region and to share a comprehensive vision of its approach.
A Healthy Weight for Ireland, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland Framework (Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025). It was developed in recognition of the growing need for a co-ordinated policy response to the increasing problem of obesity in Ireland and the increasing burden placed on individuals and society.
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. It recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. Childhood obesity is a key priority under OPAP, as is reducing the inequalities seen in obesity rates, where children (and adults) from lower socioeconomic groups have higher levels of obesity. OPAP is well aligned with the World Health Organisation in terms of the breadth of policy measures that have been introduced or are being considered in order to address the obesity epidemic.
The Spanish Presidency has asked Member States to nominate a designated expert to attend the meeting on childhood obesity which takes place on 16th and 17th of October. The policy lead on Obesity in the Health and Wellbeing unit of the Department of Health with responsibility for overseeing the implementation of "A Healthy Weight for Ireland" will be attending for Ireland.
