Vol. 569 No. 3
131 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the action he is taking to improve men's health and to address illness commonly and specifically associated with men; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16381/03]
As the Deputy will be aware action 15 of the health strategy states that a policy for men's health and health promotion will be developed. The National Health Promotion Strategy 2000-2005 also identified the development of a national plan for mens health as an important initiative. It is hoped to commence work on the development of this plan in association with the relevant stake holders shortly.
Interest in men's health to date has tended to be on "male specific" conditions and increased emphasis on men's health in the wider context is now needed. In this regard, the health promotion unit of my Department has supported the appointment of a men's health research officer, in the South Eastern Health Board, to research the role of gender and masculinities on Irish men's concept of health, their knowledge, beliefs and attitudes to health and illness, health behaviours and risk behaviours, and the barriers that Irish men perceive in accessing the health services. The findings from this study will inform the development of the men's health action plan.
Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 93.
