Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 222: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the amount allocated for 2006 for the implementation of actions contained in the Strategic Action Plan for Breastfeeding in Ireland; and the amount and details of expenditure in 2005 on same. [16381/06]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Health and Children is committed to raising the profile of breastfeeding and encouraging more and more parents to breastfeed. In 2005 a total of €385,000 was spent on the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding, €200,000 of which was spent on awareness raising activities, information development and dissemination. This included the National Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign (September and October, 2005) which consisted of radio and print advertising and a series of high profile PR events.

The balance of €185,000 was spent on the development and dissemination of national policies including "Breastfeeding in Ireland: a Five Year Strategic Action Plan". Other activities included the development of information resources to support the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, the production of a breastfeeding promotional video for use within the health and allied sectors and involvement in EU initiatives.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services under the Health Act, 2004, including the monitoring and implementation of the Strategic Action Plan. In respect of expenditure in 2006, the HSE is making a significant investment in the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding. Accordingly my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to forward details of this investment directly to the Deputy.