Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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From February 2023, 350 expectant parents from the Rotunda Hospital Dublin and 150 parents from Waterford University Hospital were offered an opportunity to participate in the First 5 Little Baby Bundle pilot project.

329 expectant parents from the Rotunda hospital and 149 parents from Waterford applied to participate. Included in this number is 8 sets of twins who have each received a bundle. The Little Baby Bundle has now been delivered to the homes of all participating parents at a time of their choosing.

Parents participating in the pilot initiative were subsequently asked to share their views and experiences of the Baby Bundle and its contents, which will inform the development of proposals for a potential wider national roll-out. Wider consultation with health and social care professionals was also undertaken.

The Little Baby Bundle has an estimated value of €300 and is a range of useful 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. This welcome gift from the State for a new arrival to a family acknowledges this very significant and special moment for parents.

The initial feedback has been very positive. I await the final report, which is due in the coming weeks. At that stage consideration will be given to any further expansion.