Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2021
361. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his Department has engaged with other countries in respect of Sustainable Development Goal 3 of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58228/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a significant and ambitious policy agenda that concerns all Government Departments. The first National Implementation Plan 2018-2020, published in 2018, was developed to oversee and facilitate coherent implementation of the SDGs across Government, and to promote awareness of the SDGs.
A renewed focus is currently being given to progress Ireland’s commitment to Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Substantial progress has been achieved in recent months in respect of reviewing Ireland’s implementation of Agenda 2030 and identifying key priorities and actions for inclusion in the next National Implementation Plan. It is intended that the draft Plan will be made available shortly and form the basis of discussion at the next SDG National Stakeholder Forum. This will allow for a final round of input from stakeholders prior to finalisation and publication.
Ireland has adopted a ‘whole-of-Government’ approach to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with each Minister having responsibility for implementing individual SDG targets related to their functions. My Department has responsibility for the achievement of SDG3. SDG3 itself has nine specific targets which are implemented via numerous policies within the Department, namely:
- A Healthy Weight for Ireland – Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016-2025
- Women's Health Taskforce
- Creating A Better Future Together: National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026
- Healthy Ireland – A Framework for Improved Health and Well-being 2013-2025
- The National Sexual Health Strategy 2015-2020
- Ireland’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020
- The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026
- National Physical Activity Plan for Ireland 2016
- Connecting for Life 2015-2020 (National Suicide Strategy)
- Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, 2020-2030.
- Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery – a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2025
- Sláintecare
- Tobacco Free Ireland 2013-2025
There is continuous engagement across these policy areas with colleagues in other jurisdictions to inform both policy development and implementation.
