Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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543. To ask the Minister for Health if there has been a change to statutory instrument No. 654 of 2004, Maternity Protection (Protection of Mothers Who Are Breastfeeding) Regulations 2004, specifically the timeframe from six months to two years; and if school principals and boards are obliged to facilitate mothers who wish to pump breast milk during their working day. [37164/16]

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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There has been no change to statutory instrument number 654 of 2004 from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in relation to the provision of Lactation or Breastfeeding breaks.

In relation to schools, the support of school principals in facilitating staff returning to work who need to express milk would be very welcome. As well as ensuring that the staff member maintains her milk supply enabling her to continue to breastfeed, expressing helps to reduce discomfort and prevent mastitis, which could result in absenteeism.

In Ireland, current entitlement to Lactation or Breastfeeding breaks for working mothers is up to 26 weeks after the date of confinement (estimated delivery date). Teachers returning to work after this time need to negotiate arrangements with their principals.