Ireland has significant levels of health inequalities.  Throughout the boom years of the “Celtic Tiger”, these inequalities were evident and since the Recession, these inequalities appear to be worsening.  Addressing health and social inequalities is important for our country; it is a long-term undertaking.  Improving the health of all our citizens (particularly the poorest and most deprived) will reap long-term dividends by ensuring a healthier population, and more productive workforce, who will have less need for expensive health interventions and social economic supports. 

The IMO Position Paper calls for a Health-in-All-Policies approach to addressing the social determinants of health. The paper also highlights the Role of Primary Care and Child Health in reducing Health Inequalities.