Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
363. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50336/22]
View answerMy Department strictly adheres to the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, including the associated Regulations which provide for the protection of mothers who are breastfeeding.
My Department has offices in Newbridge, Galway, Roscrea and Dublin. On request, suitable facilities are provided for breastfeeding (or expressing breast milk) in the workplace. These arrangements are in place to support a mother who is breastfeeding her child who is entitled, without loss of pay, to one hour off from work each day as a breastfeeding break, where breastfeeding facilities are provided. Alternatively, the mother is entitled to a reduction of her working hours of one hour each day.
