Michael D. Higgins
Question:59 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he has any plans in budget 2002 to introduce a parental caring allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26849/01]
Written Answers. - Carers' Entitlements.
The possibility of introducing a payment for periods of parental leave, including the question of whether such a payment should be made by employers or in the form of a social welfare payment, is currently being examined by the working group which has been established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to review the operation of the Parental Leave Act, 1998. This group is being chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and comprises representatives from each of the pillars of social partnership, together with representatives of relevant Government Departments and agencies, including my own Department. It is expected that the group will complete its deliberations shortly and its recommendations will be considered by the Government in a budgetary context.