David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 357: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the policy implication that she has identified as a result of the publication of the report published in July 2006 by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (details supplied); the actions that she intends to take as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32109/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I recognise that there are many factors which influence the health of individuals and the population including social, economic, environmental and cultural factors. The Health Strategy Quality and Fairness (2001) identifies a number of key determinants of health, outside the provision of health services, that affect health status and it makes mention of the importance of the built environment. The Review of the Health Promotion Strategy (2004) also identifies the need to address these broader determinants of health to improve the health status of the entire population.

In recognising the influence of the built environment on health, my Department welcomes this report and the evidence provided in it which will help inform future policy in relation to tackling the broader determinants of health.