Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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604. To ask the Minister for Health the rules in relation to unhealthy food outlets being located close to schools; if she will introduce a national ban on unhealthy food being sold within 400 m of schools, including transportable retailers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21305/23]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, 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 Framework (Healthy Ireland: A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025). It was developed in recognition of the growing need for a co-ordinated policy response to the increasing problem of obesity in Ireland and the increasing burden placed on individuals and society.

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. It 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 OPAP, as is reducing the inequalities seen in obesity rates, where children (and adults) from lower socioeconomic groups have higher levels of obesity. OPAP is well aligned with the World Health Organisation in terms of the breadth of policy measures that have been introduced or are being considered in order to address the obesity epidemic.

OPAP prescribed 'Ten Steps Forward' that would be taken to prevent overweight and obesity. Implementation of the plan is overseen by an Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group (OPIOG) under the Chair of the Department of Health. It is comprised of representatives from a range of Government Departments and Agencies - including the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. The Review of OPAP by the Department of Health was published in November 2022 and can be found on the Healthy Ireland website at gov.ie - Healthy Ireland Policies (www.gov.ie).

Step 2 of the OPAP is Regulate for a healthier environment. One of the Actions under this Step is to "Develop guidelines and support material for those working in developing the built environment for urban development and planning in relation to reducing the obesogenic environment". The OPAP recognised that changing the obesogenic environment is a critical factor underpinning the success of maintaining the population at a healthy weight. The prevention approach aims to gradually change Ireland's food environment to one that facilitates consumption of healthier food and drinks and fosters active lifestyles.

The question of legislation around planning matters for the issue raised by the Deputy is ultimately a matter for my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government and I have consulted with officials in his Department in relation to this query.

‘Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ were published under section 28 of the Planning Act in June 2022 that set out national guidance to promote consistency and to assist planning authorities in integrating zoning and development objectives into city and county development plans, including mandatory objectives for the provision of transport infrastructure and supporting amenities, facilities and services such as healthcare in tandem with new development. Development plans are required to be consistent with the National Planning Framework, National Policy and Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, reflecting a shift towards plan-led development with the development plan as the primary basis for decision making by planning authorities.

‘Draft Compact Settlement Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ are to be published for consultation in summer 2023 to provide consolidated guidance on compact growth and place making for a range of settlement types.These will also ensure consistency of approach to inform development plans, with a focus on more ‘compact’ housing models and the creation of active streets and spaces to deliver integrated, sustainable neighbourhoods. An initial policy approach was published in March 2023 which outlines the main elements of the forthcoming guidelines.

The policies set out in the updated Development Plan Guidelines and forthcoming Compact Settlement Guidelines are focused on promoting a built environment that facilitates active and healthy living patterns for local communities, by ensuring schools are linked to walking and cycling networks and accessible to sustainable travel modes, open spaces, recreation and sports opportunities.

The appropriateness of the location of fast-food outlets is ultimately a matter for local authorities to address through their own planning functions and is considered on a case-by-case basis in view of the mix of uses typically found in urban areas and the wider policy context of creating attractive places to live, work, study and play.