Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
480. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if she will review early intervention services, such as tongue tie treatment and other early services for those who might have difficulty in breastfeeding as a means to prevent avoidable barriers to breastfeeding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33529/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the National Women and Infants Health Programme leads on the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Regarding to the other part of your question for other early services for those who might have difficulty in breastfeeding, in 2017 the HSE established the mychild.ie website which provides a suite of national breastfeeding resources to new parents.
There are over 230+ breastfeeding support groups nationally. Mychild.ie provides online breastfeeding support 7 days a week.
In 2024, an updated National Infant Feeding Education Programme for healthcare providers was launched with the programme delivered by over 70 trainers across maternity and public health nursing services. In 2022, revised Infant Feeding Standards were published following a review of the baby friendly initiative in Ireland.
There are several breastfeeding advocacy groups in Ireland which are key stakeholders in supporting and promoting breastfeeding in Ireland. These groups include: La Leche League Ireland, the Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland (ALCI), Bainne Beatha, Baby Law Feeding Group Ireland, Cuidiú, and UNICEF. These groups will be part of key stakeholder engagement in the development of the breastfeeding policy.
