Neale Richmond
Question:993. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to extend maternity leave to parents who welcome a child through surrogacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14904/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (993)
Written answers
The Department of Social Protection is responsible for the administration of a range of benefits that support parents of new born and young babies. In all circumstances, entitlement to claim benefit follows on from having an entitlement to the corresponding leave and the legislation covering the different forms of leave are the responsibility of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
I am aware that there are cross governmental issues relating to surrogacy that remain to be resolved; these are primarily a matter for the Department of Health and questions in this regard should be addressed to my colleague the Minister for Health.
Any question relating to maternity, paternity or parents leave entitlements should be directed to my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.