Fergus O'Dowd
Question:188. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Social Protection to respond to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8442/24]
View answerThursday, 22 February 2024
Questions (188)
Written answers
My Department is responsible for the administration and payment of a range of benefits that support parents of newborn and young babies. In all circumstances, entitlement to claim benefit follows on from having an entitlement to the corresponding leave. The legislation governing the different forms of leave is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Any question relating to leave entitlement should be directed to that Department.
I can confirm that all parents, including those whose babies have been born through surrogacy, have access to Parent's Benefit and Paternity Benefit, subject to their satisfying the qualifying conditions.
In Budget 2024, I provided for a €12 increase in weekly social welfare payments from January. As a result, Parent's Benefit and Paternity Benefit are paid at a rate of €274 per week. Any further changes to the rates would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
In addition, in Budget 2024, I provided for the extension of Parent's Leave and Benefit from 7 weeks per parent to 9 weeks per parent from August of this year. This leave and benefit must be availed of within 2 years of the child's birth or adoption.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.