Formula milk and follow-on milk advertising may face a ban under changes to the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill that the Green Party’s Catherine Martin put forward.
According to the political party, the change to the proposed legislation would allow the new media commission to prohibit advertising relating to formula milk and follow-on milk based on concerns about “the health impact on children”.
This comes following work between Green Party colleagues, Minister Martin and Senator Pauline O’Reilly.
Commenting on the amendment, Senator O’Reilly said:
“How women choose to feed their babies is a matter for themselves. They need unbiased support.”
“Breastfeeding makes no company money, and therefore, it cannot currently compete for attention through advertising.”
She believes these advertising restrictions must go “hand in hand” with the additional funding that has been put into providing more lactation consultants and support for breastfeeding support groups.
“Formula milk advertising targets those who are seeking help with breastfeeding. Ireland has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. That is no accident.”
“Formula milk is big business, and Ireland is one of the largest exporters of dairy for formula milk. We must do all we can to ensure that those who want to breastfeed are supported and not the target of these money-making companies.”
“Having spoken about this on various media over the past year, and having brought this issue up with Minister Catherine Martin, who has a strong track record for advocating for the same, I am delighted that she, on behalf of government has today inserted amendments to the Online Safety Bill to include the restriction of infant formula and follow-on formula,” she concluded.
Stolen Fastrac
Gardaí in the midlands have issued an appeal for information in connection with the theft of a JCB Fastrac.
Gardaí understand that the theft took place between Saturday evening (July 2nd, 2022), and Friday, July 8th, 2022.
In a statement, a spokesperson for investigating Gardaí in Co Meath said:
“Trim Gardaí are investigating the theft of this JCB Fastrac 185/65, registration 97-TS-****. It was stolen from a yard on the Newhaggard Rd in Trim, sometime between Saturday evening July 2nd and Friday, July 8th.”
“If you know the whereabouts of this vehicle or if you have any information in relation to the theft, please contact Trim Garda Station on 046-9481540 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111,” the spokesperson concluded.
