Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for his significant contribution to the House today on this important topic. Any opportunity we have to shine a light on the discussion on men's health and to be proactive in this regard must be seized.As the Senator will be aware from what I said earlier, significant progress has been made on this. As he has indicated, there is a responsibility on all of us collectively to play our part.

A range of factors needs to be taken into account when we apply ourselves collectively to such an important goal as improving men's health. However, if we had to pick just one term to encapsulate the significance of the success that has been achieved to date, it would be co-operation and partnership. Healthy Ireland, the national framework for improving the health and well-being of our people, emphasises the importance of recognising that it is beyond the capability of any single Department or Government agency to promote health and well-being to everyone. This can only be done through society-wide engagement with health and well-being promotion and health improvement activities. This ranges from individuals making positive lifestyle choices and projects run by community and local groups, to policy and legislative changes, where necessary at the highest level of Government. Therefore, it is a collective approach.

In the area of men's health, we have been pleased to work with the organisations I referenced earlier, such as the Men's Health Forum, the Men's Development Network, the Irish Men's Sheds Association and of course the HSE. This is the type of co-operative, collaborative approach that is delivering results. We will continue to work to strengthen and develop this partnership cross-departmentally and also with wider society, individually and collectively.