3879. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the details of all peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews, clinical guidelines or other scientific evidence considered by her Department or HSE in relation to induced lactation in men and the nutritional suitability of milk produced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63267/26]

3880. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if evidence concerning the established nutritional and health benefits of breastfeeding following pregnancy has been extrapolated by the HSE or any organisation receiving HSE funding to support claims concerning induced lactation in men; if so, the scientific evidence that justifies that extrapolation; and if not, the evidence that has been relied upon. [63266/26]

3881. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has reviewed the scientific evidence underpinning any education provided by an organisation (details supplied) concerning induced lactation in men; whether the HSE has established that such lactation provides nutritionally and immunologically equivalent milk to that produced following pregnancy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63265/26]

3882. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the peer reviewed scientific evidence has been considered by the Department or HSE regarding the nutritional composition, immunological properties and suitability for infants and children of milk produced through induced lactation in men; if she will publish or identify the evidence relied upon in developing any relevant policy or guidance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63264/26]

3883. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department or HSE has reviewed scientific evidence regarding the nutritional and immunological composition of milk produced through induced lactation in men; whether such milk has been scientifically demonstrated to provide the same nutritional and health benefits to infants as breast milk produced following pregnancy; if she will provide details of the evidence reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63263/26]

3884. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if the HSE distinguishes between terminology intended to improve inclusivity and terminology describing the biological process of breastfeeding; and if she will outline the clinical rationale for any terminology changes made in HSE child and infant feeding guidance. [63262/26]

3912. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the evidence base that has been used by the HSE when determining terminology for breastfeeding and infant feeding in clinical and public-health guidance; whether any equality or inclusivity considerations have resulted in changes to established clinical terminology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63260/26]

3913. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if the HSE considers terminology used in clinical guidance on breast feeding to have clinical significance; whether it is satisfied that changes from established terms such as “breastfeeding” and “mother” do not create ambiguity for patients or healthcare professionals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63259/26]

3914. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of differing terminology being used by organisations providing breastfeeding education and support in Ireland; whether the HSE has issued guidance on preferred terminology to organisations working with or funded by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63261/26]

3915. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she is satisfied that educational material presented to healthcare professionals concerning induced lactation accurately distinguishes between established clinical practices involving women and the induction of lactation in men; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63256/26]

3916. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if HSE guidance on breast feeding is intended to align with current WHO and UNICEF recommendations; the reason any material differences in terminology or terminology guidance between the HSE and those organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63258/26]

3917. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if any clinical assessment has been undertaken by her Department or HSE before treating induced lactation in men as comparable to established forms of induced lactation in women; if so, whether she will publish the evidence and clinical guidance arising from that assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63255/26]

3918. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if guidance or educational materials used by the HSE distinguish between induced lactation in women who have not given birth and attempts to induce lactation in men; the details of the evidence and clinical rationale underpinning any distinction or equivalence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63253/26]

3919. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department or the HSE considers induced lactation in men to be clinically equivalent to induced lactation in women who have not given birth, including adoptive mothers; the clinical evidence underpinning any such position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63252/26]

3921. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department or the HSE has assessed the available clinical evidence concerning induced lactation by males for the purpose of feeding infants; the evidence based guidance is available to healthcare professionals in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63249/26]

3922. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the funding, financial support or other assistance has been provided by her Department or the HSE to an organisation (details supplied) in each of the past five years; the purpose of such funding or support; the amount applied for by the organisation in each year; the amount approved and paid; the purpose and conditions attached to each grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63246/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3879 to 3884, inclusive, 3912 to 3919, inclusive, 3921 and 3922 together.

Thank you for your correspondence regarding induced lactation in men.

The Department recognises the importance of ensuring that the welfare, nutritional needs and best interests of infants remain central to all infant-feeding advice and support.

The Department of Health has not sought any research for the promotion of the practice referenced in your correspondence. Galactorrhea is a medical condition whereby breastmilk is produced in the absence of pregnancy or postpartum. It is induced by hormonal imbalance, which should be referred to, or managed by a specialist endocrinology team.

The HSE will be able to provide information on education materials, clinical care guidelines and any research undertaken under the HSE Breastfeeding in Healthy Ireland Framework over the last decade.

The Department remains committed to the development of evidence-informed breastfeeding policy and is currently preparing a new National Breastfeeding Strategy.

I trust this clarifies the Department’s position.