Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

On the subject of why more women are not breastfeeding – I accept that this does not come within the remit of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform – at its clinics, the Department of Health and Children hands out formula milk to new mothers. This is well and good for those mothers who have made a decision to bottle feed for whatever reasons but the matter needs to be examined. If clinics are giving free formula, there is no encouragement to breastfeed. I would much prefer the clinics to concentrate on encouraging women to breastfeed. I take it the matter does not arise here but as we are discussing encouraging more women to breastfeed, this is an area which should be examined.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendments Nos. 31 and 32 not moved.