The person concerned was paid the maximum 18 weeks maternity benefit from 14 January 2005 to 19 May 2005. As her baby was born prematurely, her maternity leave and payment of benefit commenced from the date of birth of her child. There is provision, under current regulations, to postpone the last four weeks maternity leave or benefit in the event of the hospitalisation of the child; however, the person concerned did not avail of this option.
While the rules of entitlement to maternity benefit are specified in legislation and there is no provision for additional payments in the circumstances outlined by the Deputy, I intend to keep this benefit under regular review in order to minimise the difficulties couples may face in exceptional circumstances.