Changes to Healthy Ireland structure to be discussed

No decision has yet been taken on whether a second Healthy Ireland council will be established, this newspaper has been told.

However, a Department of Health spokesperson confirmed that the issue would be discussed as part of the creation of the next Healthy Ireland strategic action plan.

The Medical Independent (MI) reported in March 2022 that the Department was considering the establishment of a new council in 2023, but no new body was created.

The final meeting of the first Healthy Ireland council, chaired by former Irish rugby international Mr Keith Wood, took place in December 2017. The council was originally formed to provide advice and input on the Government’s Healthy Ireland strategy.

The Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan 2021-2025, published in May 2021, included a commitment to establish a second Healthy Ireland council “to provide intersectoral leadership to implement actions to realise the strategic outcomes of Healthy Ireland”.

The Department spokesperson told MI that a steering group would be established early this year with the purpose of developing a new strategic action plan.

“In developing the new plan the group will consider whether a second Healthy Ireland council is necessary in order to implement actions to realise the strategic outcomes of Healthy Ireland,” said the spokesperson.

“Policies implemented under the Healthy Ireland framework continue to support cross-sectoral collaboration in order to ensure that everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential.”

In December, the results of the Healthy Ireland Survey 2024 showed that 81 per cent of respondents reported their general health as ‘good’ or ‘very good’. Some 86 per cent rated their quality-of-life as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, while the number reporting a probable mental health problem had reduced.

However, the Department noted that while the trends in the 2024 survey were “broadly positive”, there were also areas of “concern” including a rise in the proportion of people binge drinking; a decrease in the numbers meeting physical activity guidelines; and a reduction in the numbers eating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables daily.

“The data we collect in the Healthy Ireland survey provides vital insights into the state of the population’s health and wellbeing,” said Interim Chief Medical Officer Prof Mary Horgan.

“It’s a crucial resource that allows us to monitor trends, identify risks, and respond appropriately through robust policies so that we can support people to be healthier. Overall, the trends in the 2024 survey are encouraging, particularly the numbers reporting good health and good quality-of-life.”