Brussels, 05/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 4-5 march in Dublin, EU health ministers held an informal meeting to discuss the problems of child obesity, promoting smoke-free environments and children's services for those suffering from complex development needs, such as autism. The main concern, however, according to Irish Minister for Health James Reilly, was the repercussions of the economic crisis on health systems. Ministers are aware of the damage of heavy budget cuts on the healthcare systems and the risks these cuts can provoke among the population. Reilly said that “we have to use this as a challenge to reach more efficiency”. Childhood obesity has become a major challenge for Europe, with a 30% average of children being overweight or obese in Europe. Ministers discussed what measures should be implemented to tackle this increasing problem. They also discussed the report on passive smoking published by the European Commission on 22 February last (see EUROPE 10793), in relation to the recommendations adopted by the Council in 2009. Health ministers also discussed the tobacco directive. Reilly emphasised his determination to develop a common position on this during the Irish Presidency of the Council of Ministers. This will not be an easy task, given the concerns of certain tobacco producing member states and some of the provisions in this directive. (IL/transl.fl)