Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
435. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces assigned to her Department in percentage and absolute terms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31744/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates 13 main offices and 75 Intreo Centres across this jurisdiction. All of these buildings have at least one restroom for staff which can be used by a breastfeeding mother. The rooms have a bed, a chair and a lockable door. All our offices have fridge facilities for use by staff and arrangements are made locally by mothers who wish to store expressed milk. The Department also operates in a number of other buildings as a minor tenant, including HSE centres, which would provide similar facilities.
A circular issued to all staff in 2019 outlining the arrangements for mothers who wish to avail of breastfeeding breaks. A staff member who wishes to exercise this entitlement in either the form of breastfeeding breaks or reduced hours notifies her manager before her return to work from maternity leave. This provides an opportunity for any necessary arrangements to be made, including bringing in any additional equipment the mother may require.
