Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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347. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade 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. [9372/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs is compliant with section 9 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 which entitles breastfeeding mothers to take time off work each day in order to breastfeed. While this legislation does not oblige employers to provide facilities in the workplace to facilitate breastfeeding, comfort rooms are currently available in our buildings at Headquarters that can be used by new mothers for breastfeeding purposes. Dedicated breastfeeding facilities have been included in the design of new Departmental office space in Bishop’s Square, Dublin, and consideration is being given to enhancing current facilities across our other buildings.

The Department’s Human Resources Strategy 2019-2022 has a focus on gender, equality, diversity and inclusion as one of its four pillars, underscoring the Department’s commitment to the development of this agenda. This strategy and our Sub-Committee of the Management Board on Gender, Equality and Diversity takes cognisance of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020 when considering policy initiatives and programmes. One of the key actions is to enhance the provision of maternity supports for our female colleagues prior to and on return from maternity leave.