IPH response to Department for Social Development consultation on future regulation of gambling in Northern Ireland

The Department for Social Development (DSD) recently undertook a review of Northern Ireland's gambling law sought views to help strike a balance between developing gambling as a leisure pursuit and minimising its potential negative consequences.  Following the consultation period, DSD aims to produce a balanced package of reforms which will strengthen the regulatory regime while easing some of the current restrictions on industry development.

IPH response to DHSSPS Draft Service Framework for Mental Health and Wellbeing

This is  the IPH response to the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety's Draft Framework for Mental Health and Wellbeing

IPH response to Draft Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area 2010-2022

The Regional Planning Guidelines (RPG) for the Greater Dublin Area 2010-2022 (draft) is a policy document which aims to direct the future growth of the Greater Dublin Area over the medium to long term and works to implement the strategic planning framework set out in the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) published in 2002.  A series of recommendations have been made to Local Authorities clearly linked to and supporting the national investment in transport, particularly public transport, under Transport 21.  The draft was prepared and agreed for public consultation. The IPH response  to the consultation reports on how the RPG may impact on health and makes recommendations to maximise opportunities for health gain and minimise health loss.

IPH response to DHSSPS obesity prevention framework consultation 'A Fitter Future for All'

Preventing obesity is a key priority for the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) in Northern Ireland. In support of this, the DHSSPS has led the development of a cross-Departmental, crosssectoral Obesity Prevention Framework for Northern Ireland 2011-2021, entitled A Fitter Future For All, which seeks to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity throughout  Northern Ireland. The Framework focuses action on three main pillars: food & nutrition; physical activity; and data and research, and within the context of three life course stages: Early Years; Children and Young People; and Adults. This approach is consistent with the responses being undertaken by a number of countries, following the Foresight Report.

IPH response to Department of Education (NI) draft Early Years Strategy

Tackling inequalities in social, cognitive and personal development in the early years is recognised as a priority action to reduce health inequalities. IPH welcomed the development of a strategic approach to the early years in Northern Ireland and drew evidence from the recent Health Impacts of Education – a review (IPH, 2008) in response to the Department of Education (NI) Early Years (0-6) Strategy

IPH response to Department for Social Development: introduction of powers to prohibit or restrict irresponsible alcohol promotions

Alcohol–related harm is an increasing public health concern and contributor to health inequalities on this island. IPH considered this consultation on powers to restrict alcohol promotions as a significant development towards harmonised all island regulations to tackle excessive alcohol consumption.

IPH Response to OFMDFM Consultation ‘Everyone’s Involved’ - Sustainable Development Strategy Implementation Plan

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) aims to improve health on the island of Ireland by working to combat health inequalities and influence public policies in favour of health.  IPH promotes cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in public health research, training and policy advice. Its key focus is on efforts to improve health equity. The work of IPH (www.publichealth.ie) includes health impact assessment, building and sharing evidence for public health development, developing Ireland and Northern Ireland’s population health observatory (INISPHO www.inispho.org ), and providing public health policy advice in areas such as health inequalities, obesity, fuel poverty and food poverty.   Health is influenced by a wide range of social determinants, including economic, environmental, social and biological factors. IPH has a key interest and significant experience in raising awareness and developing work to influence these wider social and environmental determinants in ways which improve health. Sustainable development and public health are inextricably linked, in ways which are described in section 3.  Sustainable development is essentially at the heart of healthy communities and individuals as well as a healthy environment and sustainable economic development   - all factors at the heart of public health.

IPH response to DSD Consultation 'Warmer healthier homes'

Fuel Poverty remains a huge concern across the island with growing numbers of people at risk of being unable to heat their homes. Recession is placing more people at risk of being unable to heat their homes. IPH welcomed DSD commitment to review the 2004 Strategy and the emphasis placed on public health impacts in the consultation, recommending that improving the health of fuel-poor householders is explicitly recognised as a key outcome of the new strategy.

IPH response to Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Consultation - National Energy Retrofit Programme

In 2011, the National Energy Retrofit Programme will build upon existing energy saving programmes in both the domestic and non-domestic sectors.  This consultation focused on key design considerations.  IPH agree with the commitment to deliver a National Energy Retrofit Programme as a sustainable means of securing energy savings and reducing energy poverty and the nations carbon footprint.  The IPH response highlighted the significant benefit to health and would support the use of Health Impact Assessment