Nuala Fennell
Ceist:82 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans for a national women's health week in 1991.
Written Answers. - Women's Health Services.
While I have no plans for a national woman's health week in 1991 there are a number of significant initiatives taking place this year at national level of particular relevance to women's health.
As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Economic and Social Progress provides for particular commitments in the area of women's health. Diagnostic mammography services, cervical screening services and health promotion are encompassed by the programme.
European Cancer Week in October of this year will be devoted to early detection and screening. Special attention will be focused on these issues as they relate to cervical and breast cancer. Plans for this week are currently being formulated by the National Cancer Co-ordinating Committee.
A special emphasis in this years anti-smoking campaign is on women who smoke, particularly young women and women who are pregnant. This element of the national campaign is a joint Health Promotion Unit/Council for the Status of Women initiative.
The Health Promotion Unit and the Irish Countrywomen's Association are currently developing for their members, on a pilot basis, a healthy lifestyles programme entitled "Lifewise". This programme deals with exercise, relaxation and other health topics such as nutrition, smoking and alcohol use.
A range of information materials on current women's health issues is available from the Health Promotion Unit of my Department and from regional health boards. The unit will also this year continue their support for the preparation of educational materials by voluntary organisations in the area of women's health.