Frances Fitzgerald
Question:850 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce paid parental leave; and the numbers who have qualified for parental leave since the introduction of the scheme. [20513/00]
Vol. 523 No. 1
850 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce paid parental leave; and the numbers who have qualified for parental leave since the introduction of the scheme. [20513/00]
There are no plans at present to introduce paid parental leave. However, the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness provides that my Department will, in 2001, conduct a review of the operation of the Parental Leave Act, 1998, in consultation with the social partners. This commitment is in accordance with section 28 of the Act, which provides for a review of the operation of the Act within not less than two years and not more than three years of its commencement on 3 December 1998. This review will provide an opportunity to assess provisions of the Act in the light of its operation.
851 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the members of the interdepartmental review group on maternity leave; the number of meetings held; and when the report will be published. [20535/00]
The following organisations, Departments and agencies are represented on the working group for the review of the Maternity Protection Act, 1994:
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Department of Finance
Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Department of Health and Children – represented by Health Services' Employers' Agency –
Irish Congress of Trade Unions
Irish Business and Employers Confederation
National Women's Council of Ireland – Community & Voluntary Pillar.
Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association – Farming Pillar.
Health and Safety Authority
Equality Authority
There have been eight meetings of the group to date as follows:
14 April 2000
5 May 2000
22 May 2000
19 June 2000
7 July 2000
4 September 2000
15 September 2000
21 September 2000
A further meeting is scheduled for 13 October.
The secretariat is currently working on a draft of the report for consideration by the group. It is hoped to finalise the work of the group shortly after the meeting of 13 October. The report will be submitted to Government and publication will be considered after that date.