Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
939. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the status of the actions and targets of the Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016-2021; if the subsequent action plan will be clarified; if he will consider the recommendations set out in a report by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21458/21]
View answerBreastfeeding is a priority for my Department and Minister Feighan Is meeting with the Bainne Beatha Group on the 5th May to address their concerns.
The HSE Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland Action Plan 2016-2021 is the framework for progressing supports for breastfeeding in Ireland and the HSE has established the National Breastfeeding Implementation Group to progress a range of actions to:
- improve governance and health service structures,
- develop new breastfeeding training programmes,
- develop evidenced based policies and practices
- communicate the importance of breastfeeding through social marketing, support and advocacy and •monitor and evaluate breastfeeding services.
The National Breastfeeding Implementation Group is partnering with key divisions to provide the supports that mothers require at all stages of the breastfeeding continuum.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of some actions, the HSE will extend the implementation of the Breastfeeding Action Plan into 2022 and continue to work on priority outstanding actions.
