Vol. 546 No. 3
35 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on the recent call made by the National Women's Council for the introduction of a social insurance payment for parental leave at the rate of maternity benefit payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31591/01]
The possibility of introducing a payment for periods of parental leave, including the question of whether such a payment should be made by employers or in the form of a social welfare payment, is currently being examined by the working group which has been established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to review the operation of the Parental Leave Act, 1998.
This working group is chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and comprises representatives from each of the pillars of social partnership, together with representatives of relevant Departments and agencies, including my own Department. The National Women's Council of Ireland is representing the community and voluntary pillar on this working group.
It is expected that this working group will complete its deliberations shortly and its recommendations will be considered by the Government.
