Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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1709. To ask the Minister for Health if he will request his Department to review the Broadcast Authority of Ireland code that pertains to infant formula products and ensure that it is updated to be in line with WHO recommendations including those of the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (details supplied); the way he plans to bring the Broadcast Authority of Ireland code in line with the WHO code in this regard and the implementation of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35044/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The BAI is the regulator of broadcasting in Ireland. The BAI also implements broadcasting codes and standards.

My Department has worked with the BAI on the Expert Working Group for the Diet and Nutrition rules in the Children’s Communications Code, 2013. This Code is being reviewed and we will continue to liaise with the BAI on diet and nutrition issues.

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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1710. To ask the Minister for Health the status of Ireland’s progress on implementing via legislation the WHO Code of Marketing on Breast-milk Substitutes; the reason for the lack of progress in this matter since 2013 and the delay in adopting into domestic law the provisions of the WHO Code in its entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35045/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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As the HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016-2021 is an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point. 

I can say however that promoting an increase in the number of new mothers breastfeeding is a priority in the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action plan 2021-2025. Infant formula is needed as not all babies are breastfed. 2021 is the year of the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes which is aimed at protecting children and families from inappropriate marketing of breastmilk substitute products. The Code covers infant formula products up to the age of 3 years.

My Department works closely with the HSE National Breast Feeding Co-ordinator, who has responsibility for the implementation of the HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016-2021. I have been advised that the HSE has established the National Breastfeeding Implementation Group to progress the actions. One of these is reviewing the Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes in public health services and this is at final draft stage and is due for implementation, across all health services in 2021.