A scheme to provide baby boxes for new parents has been confirmed following a year-long campaign by a Fine Gael TD.
Neale Richmond worked on the project that will see new parents given blankets, nappies, clothes and other essentials.
He said: “I am delighted to see the nationwide roll-out of the Baby Box scheme in the Programme for Government.
“The Boxes provide parents of newborns with all the essentials they require to welcome their new arrival into their home. Boxes include blankets, nappies, thermometers, clothes and more.
"The Box also contains a mattress and can even be used as a cot for newborn babies."
“We can now follow the example of Scotland in ensuring all parents are well equipped when they bring a new member of their family home.
"An important element of the concept is equality, ensuring all children born here start life with the same basic essentials.
"To have this project confirmed in the Programme for Government is a huge step forward for Irish families and parents.
“The forthcoming Government is committed to a new care deal from the cradle to the grave and this project is a clear example of this. All babies born in Ireland will be given an equal start in life.”
