Marie Sherlock
Ceist:564. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when the national breastfeeding strategy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54674/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 16 July 2026
Ceisteanna (564)
Freagraí scríofa
Encouraging mothers to breastfeed is a priority for the Department of Health. National Health policy, including the Healthy Ireland Framework, the National Maternity Strategy, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan, and the National Cancer Strategy, emphasises the importance of supporting mothers who breastfeed, as well as taking action to increase breastfeeding rates in Ireland. The HSE Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland Action Plan is the framework for progressing supports for breastfeeding in Ireland.
The Government is committed to increasing resources and supports for new mothers in Ireland. There has been a four-fold increase in Specialist Lactation Consultant whole time posts since 2017 and there are over two hundred community breastfeeding support groups in operation. In 2025 and 2026, the Government has provided additional funding for breastfeeding pumps for critically unwell and premature infants of €300k.
The Department completed a breastfeeding consultation process with independent consultancy firm MCCP. The findings from these stakeholder consultations will assist the development of a new breastfeeding strategy. The Department are currently developing a new breastfeeding strategy, which will be published by the end of the year.