Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
379. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the schools that have dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31740/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of facilities in the workplace to facilitate breastfeeding is a matter for the employer. Under Section 9 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, an employer shall not be required to provide facilities in the workplace if the provision of such facilities would give rise to a cost, other than a nominal cost, to the employer.
In relation to school employees, my Department is not the employer. The employer is the Education and Training Board (ETB) for vocational schools/community colleges, community national schools and the Board of Management/Manager in the case of primary (excluding community national schools) voluntary secondary, community and comprehensive schools.
Therefore, my Department cannot provide the information requested by the Deputy.
