Employment Rights

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2016

Tuesday, 6 December 2016

Ceisteanna (81)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

81. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if plans are being considered to amend existing legislation governing employee entitlement for time off and-or reduced working hours for the purpose of breastfeeding in order to extend the existing 26 week post-confinement allowance; her views on whether the present entitlement period for employees who are breastfeeding is significantly less than recommendations from the World Health Organization, which advise that a child is breastfed for at least the first six months exclusively, with supplemental breastfeeding up to two years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38691/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

Under Section 9 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, women in employment who have given birth within the previous six months are entitled to take one hour (with pay) off work each day in order to breastfeed.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has approved drafting of a Family Leave Bill, which I intend to publish in 2017. The Bill will consolidate all existing family leave legislation such as parental leave, carer's leave, maternity leave and adoptive leave into one Act while making necessary amendments and improvements. I am aware that the current provision for time off for breastfeeding purposes has been superseded by the extension of maternity leave since the Maternity Protection Acts came into operation, and the Bill will provide an opportunity to consider an appropriate amendment to address this specific issue.