Written answers

Thursday, 10 December 2020

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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195. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the Healthy Weight for Ireland Obesity Policy and Action Plan given the impact of Covid-19 public health measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41918/20]

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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‘A Healthy Weight for Ireland’, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland agenda.  The OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy.    The Plan recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part.  Childhood obesity is a key priority under the Policy, as is reducing the inequalities seen in obesity rates, where children (and adults) from lower socioeconomic groups have higher levels of obesity.  The OPAP is based on the best available evidence in the Irish and international literature, and is informed by established international models and frameworks.  Implementation of the Plan is overseen by a cross-sectoral and cross-Departmental Obesity Policy Implementation and Oversight Group chaired by the Department of Health.  

Achievements under the OPAP to date include the introduction of a Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax in May 2018, the publication of new Healthy Eating Guidelines, Food Pyramid and supporting resources in 2017, and the development of new Nutrition Standards for Schools, with an initial focus on school meal programmes funded by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.  

An Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group (OPIOG) was established in October 2017.  On establishment the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group identified key early areas for action and established two sub-groups, one on Healthy Eating and one on Reformulation.  

The sub-group on Healthy Eating has as a priority output the development of Healthy Eating Guidelines for 1-4 year-olds.  The Guidelines and associated resources, including a new Children’s Food Pyramid, were approved by the OPIOG at its meeting and were launched by Minister Donnelly, Minister O’Gorman and myself on 1st. October 2020.  This work is now being followed by the development of nutrition standards for Early Learning and Care settings.  

The sub-group on Reformulation has as its priority the setting of targets for food and drink reformulation and a “roadmap” for reformulation action to achieve those targets.  The draft roadmap is at an advanced stage, and the submission of a report with the targets and roadmap is expected in the near future.  

Obesity is a priority area for the new Government, and this is clearly reflected in the Programme for Government, "Our Shared Future".  It is also a high priority of mine in my capacity as Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy.  The Obesity Policy and Action Plan is scheduled to run until 2025, and while the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted upon the work of the OPIOG in 2020, the increased funding for Healthy Ireland in Budget  2021 demonstrates redoubled commitment to Healthy Ireland initiatives, including under the Obesity Policy and Action Plan.  Detailed discussions are currently being progressed with partners, particularly in relation to the development of an area-based approach to health and wellbeing in areas of deprivation.  In addition, the HSE Service Plan includes a particular focus on obesity with a coordinated approach being implemented in the Community Healthcare Networks in line with the Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease.

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