Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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253. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department has made a submission indicating Ireland's interest in participating in the EU4Health Joint Action for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD); if he is aware that Ireland could have had access to part of the €53 million of funding that is available for these policy areas through this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11944/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Thank you for making contact on the EU4Health Joint Action for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease and emphasizing the importance of Irelands participation.

The department participates actively in the EU4Health Steering Group and Programme Committee, and together with its aegis bodies including the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Health Research Board (HRB), works to bring possible support measures under EU4Health to the attention of health authorities and eligible stakeholders.

We are pleased to advise that Irelands application for this joint action (JA) was successful, and Ireland is now participating in several different work packages of JACARDI. The Health Service Executive are the identified competent authority in this instance with Croí an accepted affiliated entity within the JA. Currently, we are actively engaging with EU colleagues and European counterparts on those specific work packages. Budgets are now finalised between our officials and the Programme leaders.

The aim of the JA(s) is to reduce the burden of NCDs and related risk factors, both at personal and societal level, targeting or addressing the specifics of CVDs and diabetes and their health determinants, as necessary. The action will implement projects on disease prevention and health promotion, which are expected to reduce the burden of CVDs and diabetes in Member States.

I trust the above provides clarity and adequate information on Irelands participation in the Programme and I thank you again for highlighting this valuable EU initiative.