Dublin Rathdown TD Neale Richmond has written to Minister Roderic O’Gorman calling on him to ensure that the Government is committed to roll out of the baby box programme.
It comes after the the Scottish Government recently announced the delivery of its 200,000 th baby box.
Deputy Richmond 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."
Deputy Richmond said that it is "vital" that the Government delivers on its commitment for the baby box programme.
He said: "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 ‘baby box’ initiative started in the 1930s in Finland, where expectant mothers were given a box, or “starter kit”, full of clothes, sheets and toys.
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter.
