A failure to take on powerful food and alcohol industries is costing thousands of lives in Ireland every year, a Dáil committee was told recently.

Around 35,000 people die each year in Ireland, three-quarters as a result of chronic illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia and respiratory ailments. However, the toll could be greatly reduced if the Government prioritises the prevention of chronic disease and ignores “vested interests” that oppose progressive health strategies, the Health Promotion Alliance Ireland (HPAI) told the Dáil’s health committee.

It also pointed to recent research showing that just four industries – tobacco, unhealthy foods, fossil fuels and alcohol – are responsible for at least a third of deaths globally per year. Among the measures it is calling for is a curb on junk food adverts targeting children. 

The umbrella group was represented by Janis Morrissey, Director of Health Promotion, Irish Heart Foundation, Dr Sheila Gilheany, CEO, Alcohol Action Ireland, and Dr Liz O’Sullivan, Lecturer in Nutrition, TU Dublin. 

“In Ireland, we will shortly mark 20 years since the introduction of [the smoking] ban. This ambitious initiative improved everybody’s health and proved the Government’s ability to stand up to the big tobacco lobby,” Ms Morrissey said

“Now Government needs to repeat this brave action with other sectors, who all use the same corporate playbook to oppose any progressive health policy.”

The HPAI argued that the population in Norway – where there is a complete ban on alcohol advertising – drinks 37% less alcohol compared with Ireland. “Chronic diseases account for 76% of all deaths annually, 40% of admissions and 75% of bed days,” Ms Morrissey told TDs and Senators.

“These chronic diseases are largely preventable. They are mostly caused by five common risk factors: poor diet, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, smoking and obesity. We know what needs to be done.”