Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health his plans to develop the UP4It! project in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18171/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Up4It Programme was a research project funded by CAWT and delivered in four pilot sites of which Cavan and Monaghan under the Border Counties Child Care Network Agency were considered one site. CAWT (Cooperation And Working Together) is a partnership between the Health and Social Care Services in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, which facilitates cross border collaborative working in health and social care. CAWT only fund programmes and projects within the border counties and therefore Meath was not included in the research phase.

The project is currently being evaluated to measure its effectiveness and examine programme delivery for best efficiency. The HSE is presently exploring whether the project can be sustained in existing areas within current HSE allocations. As the project model relies heavily on existing dietetic staff in both the Departments of Health Promotion and Primary Care, it needs to be further explored for possible adaptations to ensure best value for money whilst ensuring project outcomes. Given the current dietetic resources in Meath, dietetic input will prove difficult, however,other delivery options are being investigated.

The HSE Dublin North East offers a range of initiatives and projects which are targeted specifically at children. These include Smart Start, Be Active After Schools Activity Programme, Family- based Dietetic Clinics and Schools Health Promotion programmes.