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Special Educational Needs Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2019

Tuesday, 26 February 2019

Questions (198)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

198. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 220 of 20 October 2018, if progress has been made in relation to allocating breastfeeding breaks for SNAs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9336/19]

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Written answers

As previously advised, Circular 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 issued Circular 60/2018 which increased the entitlement to breastfeeding breaks for teachers. The extension of these provisions to SNAs is still under consideration.

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