Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 October 2018
220. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if circular 0060/2018 on breastfeeding breaks for registered teachers in recognised primary and post-primary schools apply to special needs assistants, SNAs; if not, his plans to extend the same provision to SNAs working in recognised primary and post-primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39649/18]
View answerCircular letter 17/2013, issued by my Department, deals with the Maternity Protection entitlements, including provision for breastfeeding, for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) in Recognised Primary and Post-Primary Schools. Paragraph 14.1 of Circular 0017/2013 states: "Within a twenty six week period after the birth of the child, a special needs assistant who has returned to work is entitled to one hour per day for the purpose of breastfeeding. The time off, without loss of pay, may be taken as follows:(a) one break of 60 minutes, or(b) two breaks of 30 minutes each, or(c) three breaks of 20 minutes each.”Following consultation with school and staff representatives my Department recently issued Circular 60/2018 which increased the entitlement to breastfeeding breaks for teachers. Consideration is now being given to a similar provision for SNAs.
