Eamon Ryan
Ceist:2769. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the steps he is taking to encourage active travel in line with the national obesity policy and plan. [35190/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (2769)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department is committed to providing a healthy and safe working environment and to improving the quality of working life of staff through the integration of wellbeing in work activities and practices.
Following the launch of the Department's new People Strategy, WELL (Wellbeing, Engagement, Learning & Development and Leadership), earlier this month, well-being activities will be coordinated and further supported. It is also proposed to develop new programmes and policies that promote healthy lifestyles and ensure that staff have the opportunity to maintain a high level of physical and mental health. Our strategy sets out a number of objectives including:
- the development of a range of policies and programmes that promote healthy lifestyle choices;
- supporting the physical and mental health and wellbeing of staff; and
- becoming Civil Service leaders in employee wellbeing.
The new Strategy works to the framework and action plan as set out in the Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016 to 2025.
In addition, my Department’s Workplace Travel Plan (WTP) aims to encourage greater staff use of sustainable transport options when travelling to and from work, and to ensure that, where practicable, staff opt for sustainable transport options when conducting business on behalf of the Department. This includes –
- encouraging a change of attitudes and behaviours, where possible, around travel options to and from work,
- reducing the reliance on the car as a means of transport to and from work, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area, and promoting, where possible, the healthier, sustainable options of walking or cycling for all or part of the journey, and
- facilitating staff to participate in the Cycle to Work scheme and where practical providing bicycle rack and showering facilities.