Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
581. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science 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. [50342/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with Circular 31/06 - Implementation of the Regulations of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, available at circulars.gov.ie/pdf/circular/finance/2006/31.pdf, staff returning to my Department from maternity leave who are breastfeeding are entitled to paid breaks from work (one hour per day taken as a one hour break, two 30 minute breaks or three 20 minutes breaks, as required) or reduced daily working time (one hour per day) without loss of pay to facilitate breastfeeding or expressing breast milk until the child is two years of age. These entitlements are made available to work-sharing staff on a pro-rata basis.
A phased return to physical attendance in the workplace commenced for staff members in my Department following the easing of Government restrictions earlier this year. The majority of staff of my Department are currently attending the office for a minimum of two days per week and working remotely for the remaining days. Presently, there are no dedicated facilities for breastfeeding or expressing milk in my Department’s locations as no request for such a facility has been made by a member of staff. In the event that a staff member requires such facilities, I can assure the Deputy that my Department will facilitate such requests.
The requested information in respect of the Department’s aegis bodies is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document should the Deputy wish to contact them directly with this query.
