Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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There are many factors involved in causing cardiovascular disease, and these are also causal factors in terms of ill-health in general. These issues do not exist in isolation, and can only be addressed through a multi-faceted, intersectoral approach. Healthy Ireland, A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, launched in 2013, is the national framework for action to improve the health and wellbeing of the country over the coming generation. It takes a “whole of Government” and “whole of society” approach to improving health and wellbeing, which is based on international experience and thinking in addressing the broad social determinants of health. Through the Healthy Ireland Framework and its constituent policies including Tobacco Free Ireland, A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan and Get Ireland Active! National Physical Activity Plan for Ireland, actions are being progressed in a number of areas to address the root causes of health problems including cardiovascular disease.

Raising awareness among the population and engaging citizens and communities in improving their own health is an important part of the Healthy Ireland agenda. The current Healthy Ireland communications and citizen engagement campaign aims to encourage people to make better health choices using three main themes - healthy eating, physical activity and mental wellbeing - all relevant to preventing cardiovascular disease, and signposts them to trusted sources of information and support to help make positive lifestyle changes.