During the NAT commission meeting on 22 January Mr Enda Stenson, EA Coordinator for NAT commission and member of the Leitrim County Council participated in a debate with European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis on the state of health in the EU. He presented the Irish centralised health and social system which, in his words, is "unsustainable in the long run, as attested by the previous recommendations from the European Semester process, the 2016 Euro Health Consumer Index and our own parliamentary committee".

Mr Stenson welcomed the focus on prevention and said that excellent initiatives such as the 5km 'park run' should be supported. He also highlighted the Operation Transformation programme which managed to mobilise efforts of the whole community, including schools, businesses and citizens of all ages.

Mr Stenson also said that he would like to see more action on the dangers of over-consumption of alcohol and smoking. Finally, he added, "As our demographics change we also need to change the system which serves our citizens, bringing care closer to citizens, strengthening primary care, putting people firmly in the driving seat of their own healthcare management and making sure that they actively take part in all care and cure decisions. Empowered, supported and informed patients – these are in my view the key elements to make any healthcare system effective and resilient."