Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 158: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the waiting list for St. Columcille's Hospital, Ireland's only obesity clinic; the steps she will take to aid St. Columcille's Hospital; the measures she will take to combat obesity here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35444/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Obesity is a major public health problem both for Ireland and for our European neighbours. The National Taskforce on Obesity published a report in 2005 containing 93 recommendations to halt the rise in levels of overweight and obesity.

The Taskforce recognises that a multi-sectoral approach is necessary, involving other State agencies and Government Departments and real engagement of the public and private sectors to implement all of the report's recommendations. It is proposed to utilise social inclusion structures already established as well as other working groups as required to facilitate this.

I understand that the Health Service Executive has established a Working Group to implement those recommendations of the Task Force on Obesity for which the HSE has the lead responsibility and for which €3 million has been allocated. It is currently undertaking an audit of existing services to reduce and prevent obesity, to identify gaps in current service provision and to make recommendations for future service provision. It has already commenced a number of new initiatives and has secured 8 additional posts this year focussed on obesity.

The part of the question which queries the waiting list for St. Columcille's Hospital relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.