EU health ministers meeting in Dublin yesterday pledged to address the growing problem of child obesity.

The meeting, chaired by Health Minister James Reilly, was held as part of Ireland's presidency of the EU.

Dr Reillysid he was particularly pleased that the EU Commission had responded positively to the Irish presidency's call for an action plan on childhood obesity.

"This initiative reflects the importance that my colleagues and I attach to the issue of childhood obesity, which has short-term and long-term implications at both an individual and a broader socio-economic level."

Minister Reilly said that across the EU, the impact of the economic crisis was being felt in the health sector. "In Ireland, we are seeking to reduce the cost of services, not the services themselves, through a range of measures that encompass structural reform as well as efficiency measures."

The Minister said he would shortly be launching Ireland's health and well-being strategy, which would seek to place good health at the centre of the national agenda.

At the meeting, Ministers also discussed progress on achieving a smoke-free environment.

Dr Reilly said said more work remained to be done, at national and EU level, in order to address the smoking issue and promote smoke-free environments.