Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
67. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the roll out of the baby bundle pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25947/23]
View answerFrom February 2023, 350 expectant parents from the Rotunda Hospital Dublin and 150 parents from Waterford University Hospital were offered an opportunity to participate in the First 5 Little Baby Bundle pilot project.
329 expectant mums from the Rotunda hospital and 148 mums from Waterford applied to participate. Included in this number is 8 sets of twins who will each receive a bundle. The Little Baby Bundle has begun to be delivered to the homes of participating parents at a time of their choosing. To date 235 bundles have been delivered.
Parents participating in the pilot initiative will subsequently be asked to share their views and experiences of the Baby Bundle and its contents, which will inform the development of proposals for a potential wider national roll-out.
The Little Baby Bundle has an estimated value of €300 and will be filled a range of useful items, including play items to encourage early communication and bonding, household items for help with safe bathing and safe sleep, as well as a range of other items to support new parents after the birth. This welcome gift from the State for a new arrival to a family acknowledges this very significant and special moment for parents. The initial feedback has been very positive.
