A cross-departmental 'One Health' oversight committee has been established, government ministers have announced.

The establishment of this committee "builds on the successful approach to the implementation" of Ireland’s second One Health National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (iNAP2) and the collaborative efforts during the Covid pandemic.

One Health "recognises that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment, including ecosystems, are closely linked and interdependent".

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon; Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill; and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, have notified cabinet of the committee establishment.

Its function is to "facilitate collaboration that enhances public health intelligence and improve evidence for decision-making so that Ireland can prevent, predict, prepare for and effectively manage health threats".

It is co-chaired by the chief medical officer Mary Horgan; chief veterinary officer June Fanning; and Barry Quinlan, assistant secretary general for climate and environment.

Its membership includes senior leaders from various sectors and as well as the National Parks and Wildlife Service; HSE; Food Safety Authority of Ireland; and the Environmental Protection Agency, along with others.

Minister Martin Heydon commented: "A One Health collaborative approach will serve to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems.

"This committee will support the development of a collaborative multisectoral strategy that recognises the interconnectivity across the sectors supporting a resilient agri-food system and optimal outcomes for society."

Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said that integrating a One Health approach into Ireland's national policy framework is "important for strengthening our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats".

She added: "This approach is vital for protecting public health, supporting animal health and food security, and preserving biodiversity and our shared environment."