Vol. 527 No. 5
73 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the current rate of breast feeding among Irish mothers; the measures he is taking to protect the rights of mothers to breast feed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28908/00]
The ESRI has responsibility for the perinatal reporting system which collects data including data on breast feeding. At present they are analysing data for the period 1994-9.
The health promotion unit of my Department is committed to continuing its support for the implementation of the recommendations of the national breast feeding policy. This policy has guided developments and initiative in relation to the promoting of breast feeding.
The health promotion strategy published in July this year calls for a more structured approach to the implementation of the recommendations set out in the national breast feeding policy and recommends the appointment of a national breast feeding co-ordinator. The post was recently advertised in the national newspapers and when appointed, the successful candidate will advise on the effectiveness of current policy actions in Ireland and on measures required to increase breast feeding rates. The establishment of a national committee on breast feeding has been considered and arrangements are being made for the appointment of such a committee. This committee will work with the national breast feeding co-ordinator, in partnership with the community workers, in the effective implementation of the national breast feeding policy.
I shall continue to support, as resources permit, health promotion initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of the benefits of breast feeding in Ireland. The Deputy will appreciate that the decision to breast feed ultimately rests with the mother.
