Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 March 2022
17. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on the ongoing work to introduce special leave for a person who has had a miscarriage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13369/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the enormous impact that pregnancy loss has on expectant parents, and I wish to extend my sympathies to all parents who have suffered such a loss.
As the Deputy may be aware, work to examine the needs of bereaved parents coping with pregnancy loss is being advanced at present. My Department is currently in the process of commissioning a qualitative research study to examine the workplace experiences of parents coping with pregnancy loss.
The study will examine whether policy interventions are required at a national level to better support bereaved parents in the workplace following pregnancy loss. Recommendations arising out of this study will help to inform Government policy on this matter, including the development of legislation if required.
In December 2021, a Request for Quote (RFQ) for the qualitative research study issued to relevant academics with an interest in this area of research. The RFQ did not generate the level of interest expected and no responses were received by the deadline of 31 January 2022.
A number of interested parties have since indicated difficulties with the timing of the call and the Department is currently revising its approach to the commissioning process. The Department continues to work with a view towards having the research undertaken and completed by the end of 2022.
