Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 221: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the assessment which is carried out of the quality and quantity of food served in hospitals here in view of the importance of good nutrition for hospital patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24135/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Currently there is no assessment policy at national level for nutrition in hospitals. However, healthy catering guidelines for hospitals are being developed by the health promotion unit of my Department as part of the implementation of key departmental strategies, Building Healthier Hearts, the National Health Promotion Strategy 2000-2005 and Quality and Fairness — A Health System for You.

Building Healthier Hearts specifically recommends that "Health service institutions should act as models of good practice in the provision of healthy food choices." In response to this recommendation, my Department intends publishing the following guidelines later this year: minimum nutrition guidelines for patients in acute hospitals and catering guidelines for staff and visitors.

I understand that assessment tools to assist health care facilities, including hospitals, in implementing these guidelines and standards are also being prepared and will be co-ordinated by the health promoting hospitals network.