PRESS RELEASE: Tuesday 21 October 2025
Minister Murnane O’Connor launches inaugural Sláintecare Healthy Communities National Conference 2025
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor T.D. has launched the first Sláintecare Healthy Communities National Conference 2025.
The Minister highlighted the work in addressing health inequalities across the nation and in achieving the vision of Healthy Ireland where “everyone can enjoy physical and mental health and wellbeing to their full potential and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level in society”.
This is the first occasion that all the stakeholders in the programme have been brought together. The aim is to provide everyone with an opportunity to learn and share from international experts and also from contributors who are working with the communities themselves. Four new areas have been added to the programme in 2025. They are currently being operationalised and will be announced shortly.
Speaking at the event, Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“Sláintecare Healthy Communities is being delivered in 24 communities with a goal to help people live longer and healthier lives. This conference represents an opportunity to showcase the work that is happening across the country in communities of greatest need and to share experiences and learning.”
The Minister acknowledged the collaborative effort of multiple government departments, local government bodies, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and various local partnerships to help deliver healthy communities nationwide.
Minister Murnane O’ Connor said:
“By working together, we can provide better joined-up services that make sense for people and pool the significant supports and resources that are already available in our communities.
“I would like to acknowledge the incredible work of everyone who has contributed to the success of this initiative. Your work and dedication exemplify the best of collaboration in the public service.”
The Director of National Health Improvement, HSE, Professor Diarmuid O’Donovan said:
“The HSE is committed to improving public health and wellbeing by working with communities across Ireland. Through Sláintecare Healthy Communities, local partners are delivering free practical supports, such as free parenting programmes, nutrition courses, social prescribing and stop‑smoking services—aimed at people most at risk of poor health. The strong local engagement and growing participation we have seen to date, including the different speakers and examples at this conference, shows the need to build on our collaborative partnerships to address inequalities in health.”