Government proposals will be vetted for their effect on health.
The Minister for Health and Children will chair a new National Health Promotion Forum.
Factors such as poverty and housing play a major role in health.
One third of adults are smokers.
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About a quarter of adults drink more than the recommended weekly limits of sensible alcohol consumption.
A minority of adults exercise.
Irish children consume lots of fruit and vegetables - but also lots of sweets, bars and soft drinks.