456. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the detail of the €5 million funding announced for Healthy Ireland; the way in which the fund will be allocated in terms of selection criteria, distribution and evaluation; when use of the fund will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.  [25584/17]

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy): In July 2016 Government approved the creation of a Healthy Ireland Fund and subsequently provided an initial allocation of €5 million in Budget 2017 to kick-start its establishment.

The Healthy Ireland Fund will help drive the cross-governmental approach as set out in the Healthy Ireland Framework to improve the mental and physical health and wellbeing of the population.

The main aim of the Fund is to support innovative, cross-sectoral, evidence based projects, programmes and initiatives that support the implementation of the key national policies in areas such as Obesity, Smoking, Alcohol, Physical Activity and Sexual Health. In particular the Fund will be for projects and programmes aimed at children and young people and their families, and supporting communities and vulnerable groups who are at most risk of experiencing health inequalities.

The Fund will support actions towards the achievement of the goals of the Healthy Ireland Framework, which are:

1. Increase the proportion of people who are healthy at all stages of life;
2. Reduce health inequalities;
3. Protect the public from threats to health and wellbeing; and
4. Create an environment where every individual and sector of society can play their part in achieving a healthy Ireland. 

Work by my Department on the establishment of the Fund is at an advanced stage, and upon the commencement of the Fund I will make an announcement that will provide further detail.

Related question, 25 May 2017 - Chronic disease management programme [25292/17]

396. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his plans for reshaping the way in which chronic conditions are cared for in the health system; his plans to engage private hospitals in managing some chronic conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25292/17]

Minister for Health (Deputy Simon Harris): Chronic Diseases are largely preventable diseases linked to a set of four common risk factors, namely tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity, and can remain preventable until late in life.

A national policy framework for the prevention and management of chronic disease was developed in 2008. This chronic disease policy framework addresses the challenges of chronic disease so as to reduce the burden for individuals, their carers and the health system. This broad aims of this policy are (i) to promote and improve the health of the population and reduce the risk factors that contribute to the development of chronic diseases and (ii) to promote structured and integrated care in the appropriate setting that improves outcomes and quality of life for patients with chronic conditions.

The framework for action underlines the importance of intersectoral activities for prevention of the emergence of adverse lifestyle factors that contribute to chronic disease. It addresses the management of chronic disease at different levels through a reorientation towards primary care and the provision of integrated health services that are focused on prevention and returning individuals to health and a better quality of life.

I have asked the HSE to address the operational matters of the question and to respond directly to the Deputy.