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Maternity Benefit

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 November 2013

Thursday, 28 November 2013

Questions (22)

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

22. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is concerned that the changes to maternity benefit will further discourage women into the labour force in view of the ongoing rise in the number of women on the live register while the number of men is falling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50848/13]

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Written answers

Maternity benefit is an income maintenance payment awarded to eligible women for a 26-week period on foot of a confinement. Entitlement to this benefit for employees is contingent on entitlement to statutory maternity leave. In 2013 my Department will spend €297.4 million on maternity benefit and adoptive benefit, in respect of a weekly average of 21,800 recipients. Budget 2014 provided that, from January 2014, a standard weekly rate of €230 will be paid to persons qualifying for maternity benefit. It is estimated that the number of persons who will be affected in 2014 as result of the Budget 2014 change will be a weekly average of 16,500. Persons currently in receipt and those receiving benefit before 6 January 2014 will not be affected by the change – they will continue to receive between €217.80 and €262 per week for the duration of their leave.

Ireland provides generous maternity leave entitlements of over 42 weeks currently – 26 week paid leave and a further 16 weeks unpaid. This is reflected by one of the highest birth rates in Europe and high participation by women in the labour force. The 26 week duration of the payment was preserved under Budget 2014 because I realise how important this time is for families and their children. This level is substantially in excess of the 14 weeks required under EU legislation. I therefore do not believe that the changes to maternity benefit announced in Budget 2014 will act as a disincentive for women from entering the labour force.

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