Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 436: To ask the Minister for Health the number of recommendations of the national task force on obesity which were published in 2005 that have been implemented; the number of times the task force met since the publication in 2005; if the task force is still in existence; if an implementation body has been established by the then Minister for Health to drive the implementation of the report; if individual Government Departments identified in the task force report had reported to his Department on their individual recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19785/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The National Task Force on Obesity completed its work in 2005. Following this an Inter-Sectoral Group on Obesity, comprising relevant Government Departments and key stake-holders was established early in 2009 to oversee and monitor implementation of the Task Force recommendations. The Inter-Sectoral Group published a report in April 2009, detailing progress on each of the recommendations.

The examination by the Group showed that significant progress was made in the case of 30 of the recommendations (32%), partial implementation occurred on 29 (31%), action progressed on 26 (28%), while no progress was reported on 8 (9%) of the recommendations. Since the April 2009 report, a significant development was the publication in June 2009 of the first National Guidelines on Physical Activity and accompanying "Get Ireland Active" website. Based on best international practice, the guidelines specify the recommended levels of daily physical activity for people of all ages and abilities.

I have established a Special Action Group on Obesity. The purpose of the Special Action Group on Obesity is to identify a number of specific issues such as nutritional labelling, calorie posting on restaurant menus, the treatment of obesity and to progress them. The Group will liaise with other Departments and organisations as required. They are to report to me on an ongoing basis.