Ireland to ratify parts of Revised European Social Charter

Roderic O'Gorman

The Council of Europe treaty guarantees rights related to employment, housing, health, education, social protection and welfare, with specific emphasis on the protection of vulnerable persons such as elderly people, children, people with disabilities and migrants.

Article 8.3 provides that nursing mothers are entitled to sufficient time off from work to breastfeed and Article 27.1(c) provides that appropriate measures are taken to develop or promote child daycare services and other childcare arrangements.

Roderic O’Gorman, the minister for children, equality, disability, integration and youth, said: “Government’s progress in recent years in both areas means we are now in a position to move forward with ratifying these articles.

“Last year, we extended the entitlement to breastfeeding breaks at work from six months to two years after birth through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 and since 2020, we have made significant progress in improving access to early learning and childcare that is affordable, inclusive and high quality — backed by record levels of state investment that now exceeds €1.1 billion.”

He added: “Ireland’s acceptance of these articles is testimony to this government’s strong track record in child and family policy and in equality policy.

“It delivers an important message about our commitment to give every child in Ireland the best start in life and to supporting workers — in particular women — with family and care responsibilities.

“It also signals our intention to keep building on the recent progress we have made, particularly in early learning and childcare policy given the many benefits that have been conferred to children, families, the economy and to society.”