Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the implementation of the National Task Force on Obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6184/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason the recommendations of the task force on obesity have not been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6302/07]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 151 together.

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. My Department is currently finalising proposals for the development of a mechanism which will facilitate inter-sectoral working on the prevention of chronic diseases including obesity.

The Health Service Executive has established a Working Group to implement the health sector recommendations of the Task Force on Obesity for which the HSE has the lead responsibility and for which €3 million has been allocated. In 2006 eight additional posts focussed on obesity were secured and a number of new initiatives commenced and are continuing.

In relation to the surveillance and monitoring of obesity, funding has been provided by the HSE to UCD to record height and weight in children at school entry point as part of the Lifeways cohort. The development of a national database to monitor prevalence trends of growth, overweight and obesity was also funded. The HSE is working with the Irish Universities Nutritional Alliance to research food and nutrition in children and its determinants. Funding was also allocated to the Irish Heart Foundation to progress the Action for Life physical activity programme and to undertake a project on marketing of foods to children.

National Guidelines for community based practitioners on prevention and management of childhood overweight and obesity were published and launched in December. Training for primary and community based practitioners on patient centred skills in addressing overweight and obesity was also funded. New growth charts for children were developed.

The Health Service Executive is working with the Community Games Association to integrate Health Promotion as a strategic priority in their strategic plan. This plan addresses Nutrition and physical Activity as well as other key health promotion topics. The partnership with the Education Sector is progressing. The HSE has also developed a strategic alliance with the Irish Sports Council, and have part-funded the Local Sports Partnerships to promote Physical Activity.