Seanad debates

Tuesday, 2 December 2003

Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003: Committee Stage.

 

The Supreme Court ruled in a case relating to the Employment Equality Act that one can only place social obligations in the public interest on private property owners where no more than nominal costs will be incurred. This judgment has been reflected in the wording used in section 8(2) of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill. We have sought legal advice regarding whether we could go beyond the Supreme Court ruling in this legislation. The advice was that we may not. Where an employer does not provide breastfeeding facilities in the workplace, the employer will be required to agree, as I have said, to a reduction in the working hours of the employee.

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