Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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124. To ask the Taoiseach the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces assigned to his Department in percentage and absolute terms. [31752/20]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department takes active steps to support staff returning to the workplace from maternity leave.

In line with Circular 31/06 Implementation of the Regulations of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, staff returning to my Department from maternity leave who are breastfeeding are entitled to paid breaks from work (one hour per day), or reduced daily working time (one hour per day) to facilitate breastfeeding or lactation until the child is two years of age.

At present my Department is solely located in Government Buildings. Within the building there is a private room with en-suite facilities which is available to staff requiring private space for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk. Access to refrigeration units for the purpose of storing breast milk is provided on request.