Further restrictions on the tobacco industry and the extension of health promotion initiatives are key elements in the health strategy's plan to encourage healthier lifestyles.
A deadline of next Easter has been set for the enactment of the Public Health (Tobacco) Bill which will set up a tobacco control agency and implement a wide-ranging ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship by tobacco companies.
The strategy also commits the Government to seeking the removal of tobacco products from the consumer price index so that the price of cigarettes can be raised without affecting inflation.
The health promotion initiatives are designed to address Ireland's comparatively poor standard of health. Life expectancy in Ireland is lower than the EU average, and deaths from cancer and heart disease are significantly higher.
The Minister for Health and Children, Mr Martin, said the measures reflected the fact that "the healthcare system is much more than an illness system".
Other initiatives in the strategy include a revised National Cancer Strategy by the end of 2002. The extension of breast and cervical cancer screening programmes is to continue.
A National Injury Prevention Strategy action plan is also to be in place by the end of 2002. The existing Heart Health Task Force is to be fully operational by then.
A national programme on child health is to be drawn up by the end of next year but, meanwhile, mental health services for children and teenagers will be expanded.
The Social, Personal and Health Education programme is to be extended to all primary and second-level schools by 2005. Health boards are to have more contact with schools, universities, workplaces and voluntary organisations on diet, exercise and alcohol-related issues. Other measures include an action plan on sexual health and a national breastfeeding policy, both to be completed by 2003.
To assist the overall push towards healthier lifestyles, Government Departments are to adopt, with immediate effect, a commitment to improving health, and health impact assessments on all new Government policies will begin by next June.
A Population Health Division is to be set up within the Department of Health and Children by March 2002 to oversee policy development.