Written answers

Tuesday, 28 September 2021

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Health Services

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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525. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the proposed introduction of baby boxes for all new parents will begin. [46735/21]

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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526. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the proposed introduction of baby boxes for new parents will include all parents regardless of immigration status.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46736/21]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 526 together.

Baby Boxes for newborns are to be piloted under First 5 A Whole-of -Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028. Piloting Baby Boxes is just one initiative which is part of a wide ranging strategy addressing various aspects of the lives of children from birth to age five including supports for parents to balance working and caring, developments in early learning and care and health initiatives.

The gift of the Baby Box is intended as a welcome from the State for a new arrival to a family and an acknowledgement of this very significant moment for parents. The universal distribution of Baby Boxes also reflects an important equality principle that each child is given something of equal value at the start of their life. The concept of Baby Boxes has been implemented in a number of countries whereby parents receive a package of items to assist with the transition to parenthood. The pilot will undertake research and consultation to determine items for inclusion in the pack, informed by the commitments in the First 5 strategy, and these may include safety items, toys to support early development and books.

Key objectives with the Baby Box and linked communications will include support for parent-infant bonding, information on baby development and early learning, advice and support for breastfeeding and promotion of infant health and safety.

Owing to Covid-19, work on the pilot project was delayed. However, a First 5 Project Specialist has now been recruited in my Department and will lead on this project. A working group will be established for this project and terms of reference will be developed to guide its development. Key tasks for the working group include agreeing the full scope of the project and developing a detailed project plan. Considerations will include the scale and focus of the pilot, optimal timing and channel of distribution for the baby box and the possible contents. That stage of the project will consider how parents from will be informed about the project and how they can register their interest. There will be a clear emphasis in the project for it to be as inclusive as possible of all parents. Research and engagement with parents will also be undertaken to inform the pilot.

Following an initial scoping phase, the working group will oversee a process to appoint suitable partners to develop and distribute the baby boxes and undertake a full evaluation of the pilot.

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