Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
159. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Taoiseach the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces within his Department and the workplaces of public bodies and agencies under his remit, including a list of said buildings which do and do not have these facilities. [50349/22]
View answerBoth my Department and the National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of my Department, take 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 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.
At present, my Department's workplaces are located in Government Buildings and in shared office accommodation in Dublin Castle. At both locations there is a private room 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 at both locations. Similarly, the NESDO premises has a private room with easy access to kitchen and bathroom facilities which can be used by staff requiring privacy for breastfeeding and expressing milk.
