Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister and his officials for listening so attentively today and for the vision for the women of the next generation shown in the Chamber. As I said, I feel very strongly that mothers should not have to work and breastfeed. I maintain my position that, if they are breastfeeding for six months, they are entitled to be at home. Regarding the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, given the Minister's position as Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, perhaps it would be a good idea to put crèche facilities for the ladies of the House on the agenda – both the current young women who are going to have babies and new women coming in. Another important point relates to the hours the Seanad and Dáil sit in the evening. The night-time hours of this House are not family friendly. Therefore, the House should be open early in the morning. I park my car outside at 7.30 a.m. but I have to leave the car park and have coffee in Buswell's. I am then not able to get back in until 8.30 a.m. It might suit mothers better to be on the go early in the morning.

I asked why participation in breastfeeding by Irish women is the lowest in the EU according to La Lèche League figures. I have a good idea of the reason that is the case but this is too public an arena in which to state it. I was unable to be in the House on the last occasion this issue was discussed because I had to attend a committee. Like Senator Tuffy, I am here as a woman, rather than as a spokesperson on the issue, and because the role of breastfeeding is critical to the development of children. I am not inferring that, if a mother does not breastfeed, she is any less of a mother but it is natural and better for the baby. There is an ignorance which, as Senator Terry said, we should address, particularly if the Department of Health and Children is pushing powdered milk on mothers.