Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is supported by studies, and the medical and education professions. I have never been a teacher but we all know about the 3 p.m. slump and I am sure the equivalent happens in a secondary school. The only reason I can think of for the recommendation was it was a reflection of some of the submissions made but also of the commercial rates. Circumstances were probably not as rosy that year for the local authority budget as they might be now. There may have been other reasons for it that I am not aware of.

The most appropriate step I can take is to recommend the next phase of improving the outcomes for children and young adults in respect of their eating habits and learned experiences. We have not even touched on issues that the committee has discussed in recent weeks such as the provision of space for a new or recent mother to breastfeed her baby with an element of privacy. I acknowledge that does not even bother some women, which is great, because it is important that society not only accepts but embraces and supports breastfeeding as much as possible because there are so many benefits. That has been eloquently outlined. It is also important for the outcomes of the children involved. However, not everybody can do it. There is always space for a good rounded product that will support a child's growth and build his or her immunity system.

We learn about so many things - and the witnesses have highlighted this - where parents, grandparents or the older generation are influencers because they think it is right when in fact it is not. I have two children at home and I have never asked somebody to let me be the parent of my own child. I have, however, witnessed it being said by others. Perhaps education is providing people with the self-awareness to say, "Let me parent my own child, thank you very much", to people, or something similar When it comes to breastfeeding, any expectant mother watching this or anybody ever put under peer pressure not to breastfeed, should just ignore people because they do not know what they are talking about. They may have the best will in the world but they are wrong. I find that frustrating. It has come up before and Deputy Mitchell has given evidence on this before the committee.