774. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health where falls prevention classes are currently being funded nationally. [52990/26]

775. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health if she will fund the national roll-out of falls prevention classes, given that 25% of hospital admissions from older people relate to falls. [52991/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 774 and 775 together.

The National Physical Activity Framework 2024-2040 provides the basis for cross-sectoral collaboration to improve population levels of physical activity and address barriers. These interventions are informed by Every Move Counts: Ireland's National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines.

These Guidelines provide tailored recommendations for a range of population cohorts across age and ability. They recommend that all adults, including older adults (65+), are physically active for at least 2hrs 30mins a week.  The Guidelines recommend that this include aerobic activity as well as activities to improve muscle strength.  For older adults there is also a focus on improving balance.

There is a broad range of stakeholders, both public and private, involved in supporting the achievement of these guidelines. Multi-component activities to meet these recommendations are available in many communities, and include exercise classes, yoga/pilates and others which provide opportunities for all adults including older adults to improve muscle strength and balance.  These types of programmes are widely available across the country, provided by trained exercise professionals.

The Sport Ireland funded network of Local Sports Partnerships regularly offer exercise programmes for older adults, some will have a specific focus on falls prevention,  others while not specifically focusing on falls prevention will include a range of physical activities that promote muscle strengthening and balance.

In addition, the HSE recently launched a Get Active Programme in the HSEApp.  This is a 10 week physical activity behaviour change programme that aims to engage inactive adults.  At the end of the 10 weeks, participants will be meeting the national guidelines.  The programme includes a range of exercises/physical activities that promote muscle strength and balance.  The key target audience for the programme are adults aged 40+.

Some older adults also benefit from tailored falls prevention programmes such as FAME or OTAGO.  These programmes are available in a small number of areas across the country.  The HSE has been engaged with UCC on a research project to explore avenues for the expansion of these programmes across the country.