IRELAND needs to begin distributing baby boxes to new parents as the pandemic can no longer be allowed to stall the scheme, a Fine Gael has insisted.
Deputy Neale Richmond’s comments come as the Scottish Government announces the delivery of its 200,000th baby box.
The Dublin Rathdown TD has written to Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman calling on him to ensure the Programme for Government commitment to roll out the baby box is met.
The proposed project will see thousands of newborns benefit from the box that can act as a cot and includes baby clothes, small toys, baby toothbrushes and books to help them through their early development.
The Fine Gael rep said the Covid-19 crisis can not be allowed to continue to stall the planned roll out of the baby box scheme.
He said: “I was delighted to secure a commitment in the Programme for Government to roll out baby boxes across Ireland. The Scottish Government’s Baby Box scheme was started four years ago following long standing examples from places like Finland and Germany; it provides families with a range of essential items for their baby’s first six months.
“The contents of the box are designed to inform and support positive parenting behaviours, and the box itself can be used for the baby to sleep in.
“Providing baby boxes across Ireland will ensure that all newborn babies have the same basic supports for the start of their lives, regardless of their circumstances.
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“Last year in Scotland, a record 98 per cent of expectant parents requested a baby box, a significant rise on the 85 per cent when they were first launched in 2017.
“It is vital the Government delivers on this very clear commitment included in the Programme for Government. The Department of Children has understandably cited the pandemic as a major factor in the delay of a nationwide roll out following various pilot schemes.
“However, that excuse simply won’t cut it forever and I have written to Minister O’Gorman asking him to not allow Covid continue to stall the planned Irish roll out.
“The delivery of 200,000 Scottish baby boxes shows Ireland the way, there can be no more delay.”
The baby box initiative started in the 1930s in Finland and has been adopted with great success by the Scottish government in recent years.