Mary Mitchell O'Connor
Ceist:586. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the annual cost of obesity to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15307/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2014
586. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the annual cost of obesity to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15307/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraLevels of overweight and obesity have increased in the last 20 years, with a rise from 51% in 1990 to 61% in 2011. The current figures for children are 25% of 3 year olds are overweight or obese.
Reliable contemporary and locally relevant figures for the annual, economic cost of weight-related ill health in the Republic of Ireland show that it costs 1.1 billion euros. My Department is developing a new obesity policy this year and this will have a significant impact on the obesity agenda and provide a framework for action based on an number of informants.