Vol. 490 No. 4
25 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will give positive consideration to funding the La Le che League in view of the valuable work being carried out by the organisation in promoting and supporting breastfeeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10260/98]
I am very much aware of the tremendous contribution of the La Le che League of Ireland in promoting breastfeeding. Following on from the publication of the national breastfeeding policy, my Department has been involved in various initiatives to encourage mothers to breastfeed, the most recent of which was the production of a breastfeeding educational pack for health professionals. This education pack was produced with the assistance of An Bord Altranais and the Centre for Health Promotion Studies in University College Galway and cost £110,000 over two years.
The health promotion unit of my Department has supported various projects on behalf of the league over the last number of years. The health promotion unit is currently in discussion with the La Le che League of Ireland with regard to providing funding for 1998.
