I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 to 101, inclusive, together.
As indicated in the Government's response to the recent PMB Motion on this issue, it is my intention to bring legislative proposals to Government, which will provide for statutory leave during the period between a premature birth and the expected date of birth of a child. This leave will be in addition to the current statutory entitlement of 26 weeks’ maternity leave and 2 weeks’ paternity leave.
The Deputy will be aware of the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to significantly increase leave afforded to parents during the first year of a child’s life over the next five years. I intend to publish my proposals in that regard this year for inclusion in the Family Leave Bill. The Bill will also review all existing family leave legislation such as parental leave, carer's leave, maternity leave, and adoptive leave and consolidate this legislation into one Act. It will also provide the vehicle to take these two commitments forward.