Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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551. To ask the Minister for Health the action being taken to address the low rate of breast-feeding here. [20972/16]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The 2013 National Perinatal Report (HSE, 2014) reported breast-feeding rates of 55.7% on discharge from hospital, an increase from 53% in 2009 and 46% in 2004. Rates of exclusive breast-feeding (babies receiving only breast milk) were 46.3%.

Health and Wellbeing is a theme throughout the new National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026; Creating a Better Future Together(DoH, 2016). Breast-feeding is considered important for the health of both mother an baby. A number of initiatives are highlighted within the report to support the improvement of Ireland's breast-feeding initiation and duration rates.

The National Maternity Strategyoutlines the responsibilities of the Department to Health, HSE and the National Women and Infants Health Programme in relation to the promotion and support of breast-feeding. The Strategy actions include improvements in support for breast-feeding both within the hospital and in the community; compliance of all maternity units with the Baby Friendly Health Initiative; implementation of the WHO Code; and breast-feeding promotion campaigns.

Consultation is almost finalised in regard to the HSE Breast-feeding Action Plan 2016-2021. It sets out the priority areas to be addressed over the next 5 years to improve breast-feeding supports, to enable more Irish mothers to breast-feed and to improve health outcomes for mothers and children in Ireland. The actions include the implementation of policies at hospital and community level; investment in breast-feeding training and skills development for healthcare staff; the provision of additional lactation specialist posts (Clinical Midwife Specialist / Clinical Nurse Specialist Lactation); and partnership working to promote a culture that accepts and supports breast-feeding.