Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
3260. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to fulfil the Programme for Government commitment to promote an increase in the number of new mothers breastfeeding by increasing support in maternity hospitals and primary care centres through access to lactation specialists and public health nurses. [41102/21]
View answerThis year, Healthy Ireland and Sláintecare have made a significant investment towards implementing the National Breastfeeding Action Plan. We all know how important it is that our children get the best possible start in life and this is something all Government partners have prioritised in the Programme for Government.
Ireland has a culture of bottle feeding and in order to improve child and maternal health, as well as reducing childhood obesity we need to improve our breastfeeding rates. On 11th May, I announced funding of €1.58m euros to provide the additional 24 Lactation Consultants across hospital and community settings, that are required to ensure timely skilled assistance for mothers who wish to breastfeed. It will also support enhanced training, skills and knowledge to frontline staff.
