Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue in respect of National Breastfeeding Week. I have raised many times in the House the lack of supports for women who wish to breastfeed but do not have the opportunity. One of the major concerns is Brexit, which is imminent. People might ask how it will affect breastfeeding but the only breastfeeding milk bank is in Northern Ireland. As yet, there is no clarity as to how mothers and infants in need will have access to the bank should a hard Brexit occur. While the photo on the front page of The Irish Timesis welcoming, with the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, launching National Breastfeeding Week, it should be remembered that UNICEF has criticised the HSE for withdrawing funds from the baby friendly health initiative, which had a major impact on improving the rates of breastfeeding in hospitals throughout the country, two years ago. In August, UNICEF was stinging in its criticism of the HSE for withdrawing the funding.

The rate of breastfeeding is now approximately 55%, which is quite low by European standards. Given that it is National Breastfeeding Week, I hope there will be more than photoshoots, such as a programme to support mothers and their infants throughout the country. Mothers in urban Ireland, through the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street, receive considerable support but that becomes patchy as one moves out of the capital city. I would like there to be many more initiatives and more funding than photoshoots. It might be worthwhile, at some stage, to hold a full debate in the House on the low rates of breastfeeding in Ireland.