Vol. 526 No. 6
350 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if maternity cover and maternity leave is in line with that provided by other EU countries; if Ireland is required under EU rulings to alter these provisions; if so, the respect in which these provisions are required to be altered; and the new provisions he plans to introduce in respect of maternity provisions in 2000. [27717/00]
As the Deputy will know, my Department is finalising a review of maternity protection legislation, in consultation with the social partners, in accordance with commitments in the Government Action Programme for the Millennium and the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. A working group, including the social partners, was set up by my Department to carry out the review. A number of proposals to improve maternity protection have been discussed by the group, including an increase in the duration of maternity leave. The group, which met on 11 occasions, had its final meeting on 27 November. The report of the group will be submitted to Government and to the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.
Details of maternity leave (attracting a payment) in EU member states, including Ireland, are set out in the table below.
|
MemberState |
Leave Entitlement (attracting payment) |
|
Austria |
16 weeks |
|
Belgium |
15 weeks |
|
Denmark |
28 weeks |
|
Finland |
105 days |
|
France |
16 weeks.26 weeks for third child and subsequent.34 weeks for twins.46 weeks for multiple births greater than twins. |
|
Germany |
14 weeks |
|
Greece |
16 weeks |
|
Ireland |
14 weeks |
|
Italy |
5 months |
|
Luxembourg |
16-20 weeks |
|
Netherlands |
16 weeks |
|
Portugal |
98 days |
|
Spain |
16 weeks |
|
Sweden |
14 weeks |
|
UK |
18 weeks |
