Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
396. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) who has moved home from abroad and has made PRSI contributions since but falls just short of the requisite PRSI contributions for maternity benefit will be given maternity benefit; and if not, if either of the solutions (details supplied) will be put in place. [41774/20]
View answerMaternity benefit is a statutory payment made for 26 weeks to employed and self-employed women who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions on their own insurance record. Contributions paid in another EU Member State can also be taken into account when determining any claim to maternity benefit.
There is no plan to consider amending the maternity benefit scheme along the lines suggested by the Deputy and the option of receiving a reduced benefit in these circumstances does not exist. However, if the person concerned submits an application for maternity benefit and provides details of any previous employment within a country covered by EU Regulations, enquiries will be made to determine if she can qualify for maternity benefit.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
