Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for missing most of the debate. I was attending the media committee. I commend the motion. I wish to give particular reference to the parts of it that stood out for me. These include providing access to suitable breast pumps free of charge to all mothers of pre-term and hospitalised infants and breastfeeding mothers hospitalised after maternity discharge. It also refers to implementing evidence-informed programmes and initiatives to provide support and address barriers for women, with a particular focus on young mothers. It calls on the Government to ensure clinical midwife or nurse specialist lactation consultants are appointed within all Irish maternity hospitals and paediatric hospitals. I welcome those aspects of the motion.

I have a quick comment to make on the all-Ireland nature of this issue. I heard mention as I came in of the proposals for replicating the milk bank in Fermanagh in the South. The bank in Fermanagh provides an excellent service for many in the South and indeed the milk provided is often from those in the South. Sinn Féin welcomes such co-operation in essential health services. I strongly encourage the development and strengthening of such a cross-Border approach. Support for the milk bank scheme in County Fermanagh builds on existing expertise and services and allows for the effective pooling of limited financial and other resources across the island to ensure the development and continued provision of a high-standard service for all.

I also support baby boxes. The proposed baby bundles have been mentioned and while Sinn Féin supports the extension of such practical and necessary support nationwide, we call for such bundles to be supplied in baby boxes. These boxes allow the child to sleep close to his or her parent on a safe surface with room to breathe and can be used in place of a crib. They can be used for a period of five to six months and save the parent in the region of €100. Such boxes have the dual benefit of recognising and assisting those who may be facing financial difficulties following the birth of their child, while also providing a multipurpose and re-usable storage system for items contained within the bundle.

Perhaps most importantly, this motion will raise awareness about public breastfeeding. Nobody should have to eat their lunch in the toilet. It is not the mother's or the child's fault, or their problem, if people are offended by something that is completely natural. I support the motion and commend the Green Party Senators for bringing it forward.