Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
560. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide substitute cover for primary teachers availing of statutory breastfeeding breaks under Circular 0053/2023; the status of discussions with unions on introducing such cover to prevent loss of teaching time for pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4045/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
In relation to substitute cover, paragraph 2.10 states:
"Substitute cover for breastfeeding breaks is not paid by the Department. At post primary level, the breaks should be covered through the Supervision and Substitution Scheme.”
The short term nature of these breaks would make any further substitution provision difficult to implement on payroll systems and would be considered cost-increasing in nature.
The Circular does provide 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.
The Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) forms part of the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers, the purpose of which is to provide a forum for claims and proposals relating to the salary, and other terms & conditions of service for teachers. The Council is comprised of representatives from the Teacher Unions, the School Management Bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and the Department of Education and Youth. The TCC is independently chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
It is not currently planned to make any amendments to the terms of this scheme for teachers as set out in Circular 0052/2023.
