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Healthy Ireland, a new government framework for action to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Ireland over the coming generation was launched today. It sets out a wide framework of actions that will be undertaken by Government Departments, public sector organisations, businesses, communities and individuals to improve health and wellbeing and reduce the risks posed to future generations.

Healthy Ireland has been developed in response to rising levels of chronic illness, lifestyle trends that threaten health and persistent health inequalities. It is based on evidence and experience from around the world which shows that to create positive change in population health and wellbeing, a whole of government approach and the involvement of local communities as well as all of society is required.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny stated:

In Ireland, our health really is our wealth. Just as we are working to get our economy back in the best possible shape, through Healthy Ireland we're working to get our people into the best shape too – physically, emotionally and psychologically. With this new initiative, we get to work together - government, families, employers, community groups - to improve the health and wellbeing of our people and create a better future for the generations to come after us.

Health Minister James Reilly said

For too long we have paid only lip service to public health initiatives and illness prevention. If current trends continue; the incessant rise in the incidence of obesity and overweight, especially in children, we may very well be the first generation to bury the generation behind us – an appalling legacy. We must take action and Healthy Ireland shows us the path to addressing this most serious issue.

Healthy Ireland lists 64 broad inter-sectoral actions and will work to refocus and redirect existing resources so that more can be achieved within existing budgets.

Read the full press release

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