Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
563. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the governance, statutory or administrative basis, and reporting structure of the cross-departmental One Health Oversight Committee established in 2025, including the Departments formally represented and the number of meetings held to date. [15898/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe interdepartmental One Health Oversight Committee has been established under the auspices of the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It inherently recognises that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.
The Committee provides leadership by facilitating collaboration among diverse stakeholders to enhance public health intelligence and improve evidence for decision-making. Membership includes senior leaders from various sectors including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Health Service Executive, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Safefood, Uisce Éireann, academic representation and the Northern Ireland Chief Medical Officer and Chief Veterinary Officer.
The Committee has held nine meetings to date. The Committee is organised and supported in its work by subgroups that focus on specific work streams.
