asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to implement the WHO International Code on marketing of breast milk substitutes which was signed by Ireland in May 1981; and if he will indicate in particular: (1) the communication concerning Articles 4.2 and 9.2 that has been entered into with the manufacturers and distributors of breast milk substitutes in Ireland; (2) if he is prepared at this stage to implement Article 11.2; and (3) the names of the non-Government organisations, professional groups and consumer organisations that have been requested to collaborate with him as required by Articles 11.2 and 11.4.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Breast Milk Substitutes.
20.
The WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes was adopted in the form of a recommendation under Article 23 of the WHO constitution, to be implemented by member states having regard to local circumstances.
To assess the relevance of individual articles of the code to circumstances in Ireland, my Department are currently collecting baseline information, as decisions to implement control measures of the nature laid down in the code must be supported by data to ensure the development of implementation measures which are both justifiable and necessary.
Pending the availability of the necessary information, my Department have secured the agreement of the food industry to the development of a code of marketing of infant formulae. In compliance with the requirements of Articles 11.2 and 11.4 of the WHO, Code, my Department have consulted the following relevant professional personnel and groups involved in infant and child care, on the proposed code of marketing of infant formulae: Maternity hospitals, An Bórd Altranais, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, the Irish Medical Association, the Medical Union, the Irish Society of Medical Officers of Health, the Irish Paediatrics Association, the Irish Dietetics Association, and the health boards.
The intent of Articles 4.2 and 9.2 of the WHO, Code has been accepted by the food industry and is being provided for in the proposed code of marketing of infant formulae.
Is the Minister aware of the concern that has been expressed by these organisations about the delay in formulating this code? Will the Minister give an indication as to when he expects the code will be finalised?
The code was originally developed primarily with the developing countries in mind as a result of the particularly pernicious marketing techniques employed by baby food manufacturers in developing countries during the mid-seventies. The detail which has to be formulated is considerable and I do not know when that will be completed. In the meantime the code of marketing of infant formulae has been accepted and supported by the industry here. Indeed, they participated fully in it.
It would appear that the Department of Health signed this WHO code in May 1981 and subsequently had consultation with the industry who were unhappy about provisions in it. Will the Minister indicate when the consultations with the milk industry, an important industry, will be completed and when the provisions required under WHO code can be complied with by Irish manufacturers?
I do not have that information. It will depend on the completion of the studies which are in progress. In the meantime other arrangements have been made.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.