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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 2

Written Answers. - Maternity Services.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

193 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he will take to promote the wider practice of breastfeeding, particularly having regard to the findings of the recent Cuidiu survey which found that several hospitals had not met the targets set in the 1994 document entitled A National Breastfeeding Policy for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24532/00]

Nora Owen

Question:

208 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received correspondence from an organisation (details supplied) seeking the reconvening of the national committee to promote breastfeeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24499/00]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 208 together.

The strategy being pursued by the health promotion unit of my Department in relation to breastfeeding is in accordance with the recommendations of the national breastfeeding policy. This policy has guided developments and initiatives in relation to the promotion of breastfeeding. While many recommendations have been implemented, it is acknowledged that the incidence of breastfeeding in this country continues to be lower than that of our European counterparts.

However, the health promotion strategy pub lished in July this year calls for a more structured approach to the implementation of the recommendations set out in the national breastfeeding policy and recommends the appointment of a national breastfeeding co-ordinator. The post was recently advertised in the national papers and, when appointed, the successful candidate will advise the health promotion unit on the effectiveness of current policy actions in Ireland and on measures required to increase breastfeeding rates. I am currently finalising the establishment of a re-constituted national committee on breastfeeding.
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