Ms Deborah Byrne:

I thank the Deputy for her comments. She mentioned the cost of breastfeeding and we have spoken about this previously with regard to the material required. It has been a significant barrier. In my opening statement, I mentioned that 60% of mothers who responded had to spend an average of €440. If a mother is struggling financially in any way, €500 is a lot of money to have to hand when in a vulnerable state and already spending a lot of money on all of the baby paraphernalia required. Breastfeeding is spoken about as the cheaper option but until the supports are in place so they can be accessed in hospitals and through community and peer groups, and all the areas are covered, mothers have to hire private lactation consultants and hire or buy pumps. This adds up. We agree that currently the price of it is exclusive and it should not be.