Is a person who works 4 hours per day, 5 days per week ( 9.00 am - 1.00 pm) entitled to a break - eg. 15 mins 11.00 - 11.15 or is this at the discretion of the employer
It's at the discretion of the employer for you to get a break if you work less than 4 hours a day. You must work for 4.5 hours before you are entitled to a 15 minute break. You are entitled to 30 minute break if you work for 6 hours (which may include the first break).
See this link : http://www.entemp.ie/publications/employment/1997/workinghours.doc