To ask the Minister of Health to detail how his Department has engaged the Public Health Agency to promote public awareness on the symptoms of heart disease in women.

I recognise the need for improved education and information on a wide range of women’s health issues and risk factors, to support women and healthcare professionals in the identification, management and treatment of conditions including cardiovascular disease.

While budget pressures continue to limit my Department's ability to improve public education and awareness on a range of important health matters, my officials have been engaging with the Public Health Agency to consider how best to do so within current resources and in a way that meets the specific needs of different groups of women and girls. This will form part of the Women’s Health Action Plan which my Department is developing.

The Public Health Agency also has an important role to play in promoting education and awareness in relation to public health initiatives which my Department is developing, which aim to tackle the health risks and behaviours that can lead to cardiovascular disease, such as consumption of alcohol, tobacco and vape products and obesity.