Departmental Consultations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024

Tuesday, 27 February 2024

Questions (464)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

464. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on his engagement with external stakeholders in respect of the provision of paid leave for persons who have experienced a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks' gestation, or to facilitate access to reproductive healthcare treatments; if he will list the stakeholders which have made representations to him on the matters; and the position of his Department in respect of the measure since the completion of a UCC study on the issue. [9312/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Thank you for your question regarding the PLACES: Pregnancy Loss (under 24 weeks) in the Workplace report. My Department commissioned this qualitative research study to examine the workplace experiences of parents coping with pregnancy loss. The study examines whether policy interventions are required at a national level to better to support these bereaved parents in the workplace.

The study focuses on people who experience pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks’ gestation, as people who have a pregnancy loss after 24 weeks’ gestation can avail of full maternity leave and paternity leave entitlements.

I published the research report on the 26th January, with the recommendations arising from this study will helping to inform Government policy, including the development of legislation to address the issue of miscarriage leave if required. As the research has been published so recently, consultations with stakeholders have not taken place.