Ms Ursula O'Dwyer:

Members can see on the slide the reference to Ten Steps Forward, which is the obesity action plan for Ireland for 2016-2025. As all members know, obesity is a major public health problem. Two out of three adults and one in five children are overweight or obese. Since 2016 we know that the levels have been stabilising, but they remain significantly higher in socially disadvantaged communities. One figure to illustrate that is the incidence in a first-year class is a DEIS school is 24.6% versus 15% in a non-DEIS school in the general population. We know that is a problem.

The ten steps in the action plan show the Government's commitment to reversing the obesity trends and they set out the actions required across a range of Departments and sectors. They aim to reduce the overall burden for individuals, their families and the health system. A wide range of steps are being actioned and a mid-term review by the school of public health at University College Cork, UCC, is currently under way. Step 9 is a key step. The model of care is shown on the other side. It was launched in March 2021 and provides for an integrated delivery of early intervention, weight management and obesity treatment across the lifespan. There are five levels of care. It sets out how healthcare for children, young adults and people living with overweight and obesity in Ireland should be organised and resourced both now and in the future. I will hand over to Ms Magahy.