Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1104. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his views on a recent World Health Organization survey which predicts that Ireland will become Europe's most obese country by 2030; and the measures he plans to introduce to deal with this issue. [26882/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Healthy Weight for Ireland - The National Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) is one of the key developments arising from Healthy Ireland, the framework for improving health and well-being across the population. The policy acknowledges that obesity represents one of the biggest public health challenges that Ireland faces.
The OPAP covers a ten 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.
I wish to emphasise that every sector of our society has a role in reducing the burden of obesity and the OPAP clearly acknowledges this.
The OPAP firstly prescribes 'Ten Steps Forward' to deal with obesity. The appointment of a National Clinical Lead for Obesity in the HSE is among the priority actions recommended. The National Clinical Lead will be responsible for developing models of care for the prevention and management of obesity in primary care and specialist services.
The OPAP includes a number of other priority actions including:
- implementing a 'whole of school' approach to healthy lifestyle programmes which includes nutrition, physical activity and exercise, smoking, alcohol and mental well-being;
- agreeing food reformulation targets with the food industry;
- developing a code of practice for food and drinks promotion, marketing, sponsorship and product placement;
- developing a communications strategy to increase knowledge among the public of being a healthy weight and to stimulate health behaviour change;
- developing proposals for a National Nutrition Policy and Action Plan;
- developing legislation for calorie posting to support people in making healthy choices;
- implementing the National Physical Activity Plan;
- developing proposals on evidence-based fiscal measures such as a levy on sugar-sweetened drinks;
- developing research in the area.
I am pleased to advise the deputy that the process for the appointment of a National Clinical Lead for Obesity is well underway. Furthermore, the Healthy Eating / Food Pyramid Guidelines have been revised and updated by a multi-stakeholder Working Group led by my Department. These were launched in December 2016 as the Healthy Food for Life initiative. A Food Reformulation Working Group is being established to reduce the sugar, fat and salt content of foods and beverages, in line with the EU Food Reformulation Project.
The development of legislation on calorie posting is also underway.
A Working Group has been established to develop a voluntary Code of Practice on Food Advertising, Promotion and Marketing including retail product placement and sponsorship. My Department has also worked with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) on the marketing of food and drink to children; this arises in the context of the revised Children’s Code to restrict marketing of high fat, high salt and high sugar foods and drinks. My Department will make a submission to the BAI in 2017 on the new code.
