I thank the Minister for the assurances he has given me but I should like some clarification of the provision in this section whereby an employee will not be insurable in terms of the social welfare code during the period of maternity leave unless she is in receipt of payment from her employer. The Minister has said that the employee will get social welfare credits.
Maternity Protection of Employees Bill, 1981: Committee and Final Stages.
Sections 1 to 14, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 15.
Question proposed: "That section 15 stand part of the Bill."
The Social Welfare Bill that is to come before the House will deal with that matter.
In regard to subsection 4 which provides that a period of absence from work either on maternity leave or on additional maternity leave shall not be treated as part of any other leave including sick leave or annual leave, perhaps before the Bill goes to the Seanad the Minister might clarify the situation in this respect on the grounds that I have stated already. Many employers base annual leave entitlement on the number of months worked in a year. I wish to have it made clear that maternity leave does not interfere with a woman's entitlement to annual leave.
I can give the Deputy an assurance on that now.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 16 to 28, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment and passed.