Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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46. To ask the Minister for Health if personnel of the Health Service Executive will conduct the assessments under the proposed fit for work programme contained in the programme for Government or if it will outsource this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13747/16]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Under the Programme for Partnership Government published in May 2016, the Government committed to supporting the Departments of Health and Social Protection in working together to pursue a 'Fit for Work Programme' to support people to get back to work if they have an illness or disability.

The 'Fit for Work' proposal is based on the findings of a pan European study, which examined the impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on an individual’s ability to work. The Irish module of this study was progressed by a coalition of key stakeholders and was led by Arthritis Ireland. The Irish College of General Practitioners, ICTU, IBEC and the Health & Safety Authority also contributed to the study. While specific proposals for a “Fit for Work Programme” require further development and scoping out, I would like to assure the Deputy that any such proposals will be in line with the wealth of evidence which shows that generally employment is good for one’s mental and physical health and wellbeing and, conversely, that unemployment is damaging. It is not possible at this early stage to identify what assessments may be required or how they would be delivered as the Departments have not yet developed any proposals to bring to Government.

A healthy population is essential to allow people to live their lives to their full potential. My Department will work with the Department of Social Protection in the development of supports for employees which are in line with the vision and goals of Healthy Ireland- A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025.