Seanad debates

Wednesday, 28 May 2003

Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003: Second Stage.

 

The entitlement provided in section 8 of the Bill to facilitate breastfeeding mothers in the workplace is in line with the recommendation of the working group. The Bill provides that employees are entitled until the child is four months old either to breastfeeding breaks in the workplace or a reduction of working hours, without loss of pay. Employers shall not be required to provide facilities for breastfeeding breaks in the workplace where the provision of such facilities would give rise to more than a nominal cost. Where breastfeeding breaks are not provided, the employer shall be required to agree a reduction of working hours with the employee without reducing pay. As with the entitlement to attend ante-natal classes, it is necessary to balance the rights and obligations of both employees and employers. In this case, a workable statutory entitlement for breastfeeding mothers in employment has been framed. The detailed arrangements will be introduced shortly by way of regulation.

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