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Maternity Leave

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020

Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Questions (371)

Gino Kenny

Question:

371. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice if she will commit to increasing maternity leave and benefit to nine weeks in acknowledgement of the difficult situation parents of new babies are in as a result of the public health emergency; the amount that current legislation permits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29865/20]

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Written answers

As the law now stands, a mother is entitled to paid maternity leave of up to 26 weeks, and up to a further 16 weeks of unpaid leave. Any amendment to the legislation governing the provision of maternity leave would require primary legislation.

There have been significant improvements in the provision of family leave over the past years. Two weeks of paternity leave were introduced in 2016. Two weeks of paid Parent's Leave was introduced in 2019.

The Minister for Public Expenditure announced in Budget 2021 that he would extend Parent's Benefit by a further three weeks.

This will be a matter for Minister O'Gorman to progress following the imminent transfer of this function to his Department.

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