Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
749. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he, Ministers of State within his Department or other officials in his Department have met third party groups in relation to promoting breastfeeding in Ireland; if so, the persons or bodies in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40319/20]
View answer750. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if there are internal working groups, committees or other relevant bodies in his Department examining the issue of low breastfeeding rates in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40320/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 749 and 750 together.
Breastfeeding is important for the health of both mother and infant, and this has been highlighted in national health policy, including the Healthy Ireland Framework and the National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026. These both emphasise the importance of supporting mothers who breastfeed, as well as taking action to increase breastfeeding rates in Ireland.
I would like to assure the Deputy that encouraging mothers to breastfeed is a priority for the Department of Health. To deliver on this priority, a National Breastfeeding Committee has been established in the HSE and it developed the “Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland – HSE Action Plan 2016-2021”. This Committee is working to achieve the aims and objectives of this Action Plan. The National Breastfeeding Coordinator role previously within my Department has transferred to the HSE to support the implementation process.
My Department links with the HSE in supporting the breastfeeding agenda through ongoing communications between the National Breastfeeding Coordinator and the Health Promotion Advisor in Health and Wellbeing in my Department.
I can assure the Deputy that breastfeeding will remain a priority, and that the Department of Health and the HSE will continue working to achieve the aims and objectives of the Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland Action Plan.
