Health Promotion

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017

Tuesday, 20 June 2017

Ceisteanna (1105)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

1105. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his views on whether there is currently enough focus on health and well-being education among young persons. [26883/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Education about health and well-being for young persons currently exists through many avenues such as through the development and implementation of the Healthy Ireland Framework, the Better Outcomes Brighter Futures national policy framework for children and young people, the national physical activity plan, the obesity policy and action plan, and the national healthy eating guidelines. Appropriate legislative frameworks have also been developed for the prohibition of smoking in cars and for plain packaging of tobacco products, both of these initiatives highlight the dangers of tobacco use to young persons.

Cross sectorial work is ongoing with other government departments and agencies including Local Community Development Communities and Children and Young people's Services Committees to ensure appropriate alignment of services at local level.

In addition, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) provide support for health promotion in school settings, including partnering with the Department of Education and skills in implementing the Health Promoting Schools and Active School Flag initiatives, as well as through the development of resources for school settings and through the provision of training supports in partnership with the Professional Development Service for Teachers.

The Department of Health and the HSE are also working in partnership with the Department of Education and Skills in relation to the introduction of Well-being as an area of learning in the Junior Cycle from September 2017.

Health and well-being promotional campaigns are run regularly by the HSE, who also provide funding to agencies such as Safefood and the Irish Heart Foundation to assist in the promotion of education about health and well-being for young persons.