The Committee on Health and Children discussed measures to improve lung health awareness and increase lung health promotion efforts when it met with representatives from the Irish Lung Health Alliance on Thursday, 7th February 2013. The Alpha One Foundation was one of six health charities that presented on the day. The Oireachtas Health Committee consists of TDs and Senators from all the political parties. 

The Committee examines issues of current interest within its remit and produces regular reports setting out its findings and makes recommendations to the Government. Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “The Irish Lung Health Alliance is a group of Irish charities that have joined forces to promote healthy lungs with four simple messages: lung disease can affect anyone, regardless of age, health status and walk of life; symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough and wheeze are not normal and should be checked with your GP; lung disease is treatable – the earlier you treat the better; and keep lungs healthy – don’t smoke and stay active.

“According to the Irish Lung Health Alliance, one in five deaths in Ireland is caused by lung disease. It is the most common reason to visit a GP and the third most common reason for acute hospital admission. Yet the Alliance has stated that early diagnosis of lung disease, which can vastly improve outcomes and quality of life for patients, continues to be a challenge due to poor awareness levels. Tomorrow, we will have an opportunity to hear from the Irish Lung Health Alliance about its campaign to promote lung health, highlight the fact that lung disease affects people of all ages, all socio-economic backgrounds and encourage people to improve their lung health through exercise and quitting smoking.”

The meeting took place on Thursday, 7th February, 2013 at 9.30am in Committee Room 2, LH 2000, in Leinster House and can be viewed in its entirety here. A list of members of the Oireachtas Health Committee can be found here. 

The Alpha One Foundation submission can be viewed on the Oireachtas website here.