Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I welcome all the witnesses from Bainne Beatha and Cuidiú.

I am conscious that I am male. I considered handing the slot over to one of my female colleagues, particularly as my wife and I, unfortunately, have not been lucky enough to have children. I felt, however, that men also have an important role here because there are men in positions of influence within the Department of Health and the HSE.

On that point, would the witnesses agree that perhaps husbands and male partners of mothers, who have experience of their partners breastfeeding, are more likely to be sympathetic to the issues? If men in positions of power have that experience, they are possibly more likely to be able to influence or be sympathetic to that issue. That is the first point I will make.

What would be regarded as best practice internationally? Is there any particular country? Is it all a matter of finances? Am I right in suggesting that witnesses would wish for full-time lactation consultants working exclusively in that role, who are available 24-7 in maternity hospitals and in the community after mother and baby go home? Is this the gold standard that should be in place right across the country?