Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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481. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status the roll-out of the baby box programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6022/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Piloting of a Baby Box initiative for new-borns is an action in the First 5 A Whole-of -Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028. This pilot is one initiative as 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 including Scotland, 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 Baby Box, 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.

This action was delayed by the reassignment of personnel to the Covid response. The preparation to advance the initiative is now proceeding with the first meeting of the project advisory group held on December 13. It is envisaged that the pilot rollout will get underway early in 2022. A key element of the pilot is the evaluation. It is hoped the pilot evaluation report will be finalised in Q3 of 2022. Once the learning from the pilot has been considered, the next steps to achieve a national rollout can be agreed.