Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
2. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Taoiseach the facilities available in his Department to facilitate breastfeeding breaks in accordance with WHO guidelines of two years for women in the workplace and as part of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020. [9380/21]
View answerMy Department takes active steps to support staff returning to the workplace from maternity leave.
In line with Circular 31/06 Implementation of the Regulations of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, staff returning to my Department from maternity leave who are breastfeeding are entitled to paid breaks from work (one hour per day), or reduced daily working time (one hour per day) to facilitate breastfeeding or lactation until the child is two years of age.
Within Government Buildings there is a private room with en-suite facilities which is available to staff requiring private space for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk. Access to refrigeration units for the purpose of storing breast milk is provided on request.
