Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
681. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend the creditable period beyond 16 weeks for those on unpaid maternity leave; the reason this limit exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42852/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPRSI credited contributions (“credits”) are an integral part of the social insurance system. For the most part, they are linked to having an underlying entitlement to a social welfare payment while temporarily detached from the labour force or having entitlement to certain statutory periods of leave. The primary purpose of PRSI credits is to secure social welfare benefits and pensions of employees by covering gaps in insurance where they are not in a position to pay PRSI, such as during periods of unemployment or illness.
In the case of those on maternity leave, credits may be awarded for 26 weeks, during which an individual is on maternity leave and, subject to satisfying the PRSI contribution conditions, is entitled to receive maternity benefit. Credits may also be awarded in respect of the additional 16 weeks unpaid maternity leave which may be taken immediately after the end of the 26 weeks of paid maternity benefit.
Any additional leave beyond the 16 weeks unpaid leave is at the discretion of the employer and is not covered by statutory leave arrangements for which credits can be awarded. The social welfare code does take account of periods spent caring for children on a full-time basis through the homemaker scheme. The homemaker’s scheme is designed to help homemakers and carers qualify for contributory State pension. Years spent caring on a full-time basis are disregarded when calculating the contributory State pension rate of payment.
