Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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1148. To ask the Minister for Health the progress made by his Department to date in relation to the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health’s Report on addressing Vitamin D deficiency as a public health measure in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41870/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The Joint Committee on Health 's report on addressing vitamin D deficiency as a public health measure has four recommendations and my Department is responsible for delivering on the first two recommendations.

Recommendation (1). With regard to recommending daily Vitamin D supplements to the entire adult population, the current policy advice on vitamin D supplementation is aimed at three population groups; infants, 1-4 year old children and all adults 65 years and over.

Recommendation (2). Regarding vitamin D supplementation of the entire population, my Department has requested the Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland to review the evidence on this and provide me with recommendations. This is the process used by my Department to ensure evidence- based advice.  

Once the Food Safety Authority of Ireland recommendations are received, we will develop a public health policy to increase knowledge and encourage increased intake of Vitamin D through supplementation, if appropriate.

Recommendation (3). The issue of reducing the cost of Vitamin D supplementation by reconsidering the current VAT rate applied is a matter for the Department of Finance.

Recommendation (4). The issue of specific measures being put in place for frontline and healthcare workers is a matter for the HSE and my Department have referred this to HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.