Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
614. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the guidelines or rules that are provided for teachers who wish to avail of breastfeeding breaks in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10115/26]
View answerThe Department’s Circular 0052/2023 titled 'Breastfeeding Breaks for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools’ outlines the current provisions for breastfeeding breaks for teachers.
Within a 104 week period after the birth of the child, a teacher who has returned to work is entitled to breastfeeding breaks without loss of pay for up to one hour per day, for the purpose of breastfeeding or lactation.
Under the provisions of the Circular, Breastfeeding breaks may be taken in the form of: -
a) one break of 60 minutes, or
b) two breaks of 30 minutes each, or
c) three breaks of 20 minutes each
An application for breastfeeding breaks must be made by the teacher at least 4 weeks in advance of the planned commencement date using the application form attached to the circular, accompanied by a copy of the relevant child’s birth certificate. The application form must be re-submitted prior to the start of each subsequent school term during which the teacher continues to breastfeed and therefore intends to avail of breastfeeding breaks.
The employer should take reasonable measures to facilitate the pattern of breastfeeding breaks as requested, but must ensure the educational, welfare and care needs of students takes precedence.
The Circular provides that where it is not possible for the employer to facilitate the breastfeeding breaks pattern, as initially requested by the teachers, alternate patterns must be explored and agreed upon.
