James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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1027. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a recently published paper (details supplied); the actions he will take to promote the appropriate early detection and management of malnutrition in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24443/16]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Early detection and management of malnutrition in the community by Primary Care Health professionals has the potential to reduce disease related malnutrition and reduce hospitalisations, particularly in older and chronically ill patients.

Early detection and management of malnutrition in the community is a priority for the HSE.

The Primary Care Division in the HSE is currently reviewing malnutrition in the community and has a national multidisciplinary group developing national integrated care pathways and national standards for early identification and management of malnutrition.

The use of oral nutritional supplements is being considered as part of this review.

My Department intends to develop a National Nutrition Policy commencing in 2017.