I propose to take Questions Nos. 1482 and 1483 together.
Progress on the recommendations which relate to an increased emphasis on prevention, promotion of health-enhancing behaviours and an intersectoral approach to tackling the determinants of health (Recommendations 3.1 and 3.2), are now comprehended within the implementation of Healthy Ireland - A Framework for Improved Health and Well-being (2013-2025).
The Healthy Ireland Framework is based on evidence and experience from around the world which clearly shows that the creation of positive changes in health and well-being takes the involvement of the whole of Government and all of society working in unison. It describes four high-level goals and a number of action areas to increase the proportion of people who are healthy at all stages of life, reduce health inequalities, protect the public from threats to their health and well-being, and to create an environment where every individual and sector of society can play their part in achieving a healthy Ireland.
The implementation of Healthy Ireland is overseen by the cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Sector Reform which is chaired by An Taoiseach.
Since Healthy Ireland was launched in March 2013, a number of core policies and strategies have been published which deal more specifically with the factors relevant to preventing cardiovascular disease, and which include a more specific range of intersectoral actions as well as targets for improved population health. These are in particular the Tobacco Free Ireland Policy (published in 2013), Get Ireland Active! - National Physical Activity Plan for Ireland (published 2016) and A Healthy Weight for Ireland - Obesity Policy and Action Plan (published 2016). In addition, the National Substance Misuse Strategy (published 2012) sets out the policy approach to deal with the use and misuse of alcohol with the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill a key deliverable from that Strategy.
Building relationships and strengthening partnerships is a key focus of the implementation of Healthy Ireland - with other Government Departments, Local Authorities, the education sector, and with the wider business, voluntary and community sectors. Structures supporting the work include a Cross Sectorial Group comprising senior officials from Government Departments and key agencies; and a Healthy Ireland Council comprising representation from a wide range of stakeholder sectors.
