Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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65. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had any discussions with the Department of Health, the sports authorities and the Health Service Executive regarding the possibility of establishing a sports and exercise department in the HSE, in order to ensure that the role of exercise fitness and well being is given adequate attention in our health care system. [40896/13]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have no responsibility in relation to the HSE or the operational structures established within the HSE. It is entirely a matter for the Department of Health and the HSE as to how their operational structures are organised.

The contribution of sport to health and the prevention of illness and disability is very significant. The health benefits that can be gained from participation in sport and physical activity are significant, not just for the individual but also for our health system, with the consequent reduction in the demand on health services. One of the most urgent health issues in Ireland is obesity, which costs Ireland € 1.13 billion per year. An increase in sport and physical activity would help reduce these costs and increase the overall health of the country.

One of the commitments in Healthy Ireland, the Government Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, is to develop a plan to promote increased physical activity levels across the population.  A cross-sectoral working group, which will be co-chaired by the Department of Health and my Department, has been established to develop this plan. It will provide a strong focus for modifying unhealthy life habits and promoting awareness of the benefits of physical activity, not just for health, but also in a wider socioeconomic context.  The group, which met for the first time on 12 September 2013, has agreed that the Plan will focus on operational issues to encourage greater participation in, and greater recognition of the importance of, physical activity.