Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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1199. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the roll-out of the baby box programme as per the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30414/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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On Monday, 13 June 2022, I was pleased to announce the details of the plan to pilot the 'Little Baby Bundle'. This gift from the State to expectant parents and newborns will be piloted with 500 families in collaboration with the Rotunda Hospital Dublin and University Hospital, Waterford.

The Little Baby Bundle - an initiative under First 5, A Whole-of -Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028 - is a welcome gift from the State for a new arrival to a family - acknowledging this very significant and special moment for parents.

Designed to promote the health and well-being of newborn babies and help parents in the first weeks and months of a baby’s life, the Little Baby Bundles is inspired by similar successful initiatives in Scotland and Finland.

The Little Baby Bundle will be filled a range of key items, including play items to encourage early communication and bonding, household items for help with safe bathing and safe sleep, as well as a range of other items to support new parents after the birth.

A procurement process for the Little Baby Bundle Managing Agent is now underway and a Request for Tenders for the Little Baby Bundle Evaluation Partner, who will examine whether the Little Baby Bundle is suitable for wider roll-out, will be published later this Summer.

The pilot is expected to begin this Autumn.