Arising from a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government, I have introduced a Bill to provide leave for adoptive mothers on a basis similar to the existing maternity leave position.
I intend that the Bill will be enacted during the autumn session. The Minister for Social Welfare would propose to introduce legislation to provide for related social welfare benefits soon afterwards. The two Acts can be expected to come into operation on a common date and eligible mothers adopting after that date would have an entitlement to the leave.