This snapshot presents strengths and weaknesses of national nutrition policy actions in Ireland. Compare Ireland with other European countries in our NOURISHING policy index.
Ireland implements policy actions in 8 out of the 10 policy areas of the NOURISHING framework. One policy area received a good assessment, referring to public awareness of healthy eating through communication campaigns and social marketing (I2).
A moderate assessment was received for food standards in schools and other out-of-education settings (O), nutrient labels (N1), and limits or removal of specific nutrients in food products (I1). Gaps on limits on the availability of unhealthy food within the school vicinity and lack of food standards in out-of-education (O) impacted otherwise well-designed policies in this area. There were no actions on nutrition labelling (N1) beyond EU level or on policy actions which decrease young people’s exposure to food marketing and advertising through point-of-sale measures and product packaging (R).
No action was taken in food systems and health (H) or to create a healthier retail and food service environment (S) therefore, implementation within these policy areas should be prioritised. Much more needs to be done to use financial incentives which increases the availability and affordability of healthy food, to accompany the existing sugary beverage tax (U).
Download a full analysis and breakdown of Ireland’s results
This country snapshot presents detailed results of the NOURISHING policy index for Ireland. Full index results are outlined in the NOURISHING policy brief (pdf), which compares Ireland with other European countries and explains the methods for producing this snapshot and the index.
The index assesses if national government policy actions exist across all areas of the NOURISHING framework and, if so, how well designed they are. We produced this assessment by benchmarking policies from Ireland, collected through a comprehensive scan. You can view all benchmarked policies in our NOURISHING database.
We also have snapshots of physical activity policies in 30 European countries. Visit the Ireland page or see all the country snapshots.
The policy landscape in any country evolves over time. These findings reflect our knowledge as of May 2023. To provide feedback or suggest updates, please get in touch.
Fill in our feedback form or email the team policy@wcrf.org
