Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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371. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the facilities available in his Department to facilitate breastfeeding breaks in accordance with WHO guidelines of two years for women in the workplace and as part of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9367/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department strictly adheres to the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, including the associated Regulations which provide for the protection of mothers who are breastfeeding.

My Department has offices in Newbridge, Galway, Roscrea and Dublin. On request, suitable facilities are provided for breastfeeding in the workplace. These arrangements are in place to support a mother who is breastfeeding her child who is entitled, without loss of pay, to one hour off from work each day as a breastfeeding break, where breastfeeding facilities are provided. Alternatively, the mother is entitled to a reduction of her working hours of one hour each day.