Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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2162. 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; his views on the reason there has been no progress made in this regard since 2013; his further views on the reason for 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. [36716/21]

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.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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2163. To ask the Minister for Health the status the implementation of Action Item 3.13 of the National Breastfeeding Action Plan which pertains to the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36717/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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As this Parliamentary Question relates to 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.

However, I can advise the Deputy 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. I am advised that the HSE are working to strengthen compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes through partnership and cross sectoral working.