Denise Mitchell
Question:180. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if a similar initiative to an initiative (details supplied) will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18168/19]
View answerThursday, 18 April 2019
Questions (180, 181)
Denise Mitchell
Question:181. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the costs that would be associated with developing a healthy start programme here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18169/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.
Healthy Start is a UK-wide statutory scheme providing a nutritional safety net to pregnant women and children under four in low-income families in receipt of certain benefits or tax credits. Healthy Start supports public health policies by encouraging breastfeeding and a healthy diet. Any costs associated with the development of a similar programme here would be addressed as part of the annual estimates process.
First 5 is the recently published Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families (2019-2028).
As part of this cross-departmental approach, my Department has commenced work with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on establishing a work programme on food poverty, and this will consider measures such as the one referred to by the Deputy.
Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 156.