North Rhine-Westphalia: State parliament is considering support during plenary sessions

Children in the plenary hall, in parliamentary group meetings or in the office are no longer uncommon in the state parliament.

North Rhine-Westphalia: State parliament is considering support during plenary sessions

Children in the plenary hall, in parliamentary group meetings or in the office are no longer uncommon in the state parliament. The tall building adapts and wants to become more family-friendly.

Düsseldorf (dpa / lnw) - The state parliament is currently examining the possibility of emergency care for children on plenary days. According to a spokesman, family-friendly meeting times are also being discussed. "The best possible work-life balance is an important task for all employers. And that applies particularly to a modern parliament," said André Kuper, President of the State Parliament.

In fact, MPs and employees are increasingly bringing their children to the state parliament, as can be observed there every day. "Babies and small children are always welcome in the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia, even during parliamentary sessions in the plenary hall. Because the state parliament's rules of procedure expressly do not prohibit members of parliament from bringing their children into the plenary hall as long as the parliamentary order or the dignity of the parliament does not affected," said a spokesman.

The state parliament has now taken "many measures to reconcile family and mandate". Among other things, there are now five parent-child parking spaces in the underground car park, changing tables in all disabled toilets, a breastfeeding room, play boxes and high chairs in the canteen. This is also used by visitors with children.

"Babies and children are very welcome in the state parliament, regardless of whether MPs take them to meetings or the plenary hall, or whether families come to the state parliament as guests," said state parliament president Kuper. He emphasized: "The state parliament makes decisions for the future of the state and thus for the future of the children. It is therefore self-evident that members of parliament, but also employees, can reconcile their activities in the state parliament with family responsibilities in the best possible way."