Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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410. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware of the hugely negative impact that nitrogen oxides (NOx) has on citizens’ health, particularly children; the policies he intends to implement to improve air quality from NOx; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45504/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's National Clean Air Strategy, published in April 2023, identifies the most significant air pollutants in an Irish context, including Nitrogen Oxides, and sets out their impacts on human health. With an estimated 1,410 premature deaths in Ireland each year linked with air pollution, this Strategy will play a significant role both in reducing the health impact of air pollution in Ireland, and in achieving Ireland's domestic and EU air quality standards.

The health impacts of air pollution, including Nitrogen Oxides, relate to heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections in children. Nitrogen Oxides also affect liver, spleen and blood functions.

While policy responsibility in relation to air pollution rests with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, my Department supports the adoption and implementation of actions under the National Clean Air Strategy, and is a member of its Implementation Group. This underlines the importance of improving Ireland's air quality and enables the integration of health messaging in actions under the Strategy.