Maternity Leave

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022

Thursday, 3 February 2022

Questions (338)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

338. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can provide an update on the recommendation of First 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families for a review of the relevant provisions of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 on the issue of extending the current entitlement to paid time off-work for breastfeeding mothers from 26 to 104 weeks after the birth of the baby (details supplied); the legislative proposals being worked on in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5557/22]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

In line with the commitments in FIRST 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families and the National Strategy for Women and Girls to extend the current entitlement to paid breastfeeding/lactation breaks or paid reduction in working hours for breastfeeding mothers in the workforce from 26 to 104 weeks under the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Acts, I intend to bring forward legislative proposals in the coming weeks to provide for an extension of the current entitlements.

The extension of breastfeeding breaks is an important support for mothers returning to the workforce after the birth of their child, and will facilitate the combination of breastfeeding and working in line with the WHO recommendation to continue breastfeeding, in combination with suitably nutritious and safe complementary foods, until children are two years old.