for Ireland

3.1 Governance
This section provides an overview of leadership
on addressing overweight and obesity at
government level, and describes the various
elements that set out how the Obesity Policy and
Action Plan will work. Obesity is a key priority
within the Healthy Ireland Framework and the
structures it put in place will be used by the
Obesity Policy and Action Plan to tackle obesity in
a more effective way.
3.1.1 Healthy Ireland Governance Structures
The established governance and accountability
structures for the Healthy Ireland Framework
will be used by the Department of Health to
ensure the implementation of the Obesity
Policy and Action Plan across Government and
across society. The following structures provide
effective arrangements to facilitate coherent,
efficient implementation of the framework of
actions.
• The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy
and Public Sector Reform, supported by the
Senior Officials’ Group, provides oversight.
• A high level cross-sectoral group, including
representatives at assistant secretary level
from government departments and a number
of key agencies, provides strategic direction
and monitors progress.
• A number of interdepartmental and
cross-sectoral working groups provide
opportunities to improve collaboration on a
number of key areas.
• The Healthy Ireland Council connects
and mobilises communities, families and
individuals into a national movement
with the aim of supporting the successful
engagement of a wide range of stakeholders
and the building of innovative partnerships
and approaches.
• The multi-sectoral Children and Young People
Service Development Committee, established
by the Department of Children and Youth
Affairs to improve services and health
outcomes for children, under its commitment
for Better Future Brighter Outcomes (2014).
Progress on the Obesity Policy and Action
Plan will be reported to the Healthy Ireland
Cross Sectoral Group by the Department of
Health. In addition, the Department will:
regularly review outcomes; develop a suite of
performance indicators to monitor progress on
implementation; and conduct a mid-term review
of the Obesity Policy and Action Plan.
3.1.2 Policy
The Department of Health will lead the
implementation and oversight of the Obesity
Policy and Action Plan.
3.1.3 Implementation
Engagement and cooperation across government
departments, led by the Department of Health,
is the key priority under Healthy Ireland for the
immediate and near future. The Department will
continue to participate in existing North–South
and international networks and collaborations,
as well as seeking new partnerships on the
issues of obesity. As set out in Healthy Ireland,
integrated health and social impact assessments
will be conducted on relevant policy areas
to support other government departments
in contributing towards the prevention of
overweight and obesity.
26
A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016 - 2025