Ms Suzanne Costello:

Being here today is a big step for us. We have never previously been before this committee and are delighted to be here. It underlines the fact that across the political class, there is a broader understanding of how many different policy areas are supporting health. I sometimes have a certain amount of sympathy for a minister for health because problems that are often created under other portfolios wash up on the shores of health. Ministers for health must deal with everything. Health in all policies is a very real thing. We in Ireland are entering into a new phase whereby there will shortly be a new health improvement strategy for the country, which I understand will run for the next ten years. Core to that is cross-departmental working and a commitment across government to a healthier population, and all the benefits that would bring. That concept of health in all policies would be significant in helping people to understand that whatever Department you are in, or whatever policy area you are dealing with, it will, more than likely, have an impact on the health and well-being of the population. It is everyone's concern in that sense.