Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2022
147. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated full-year cost to provide statutory reproductive leave for women going through fertility treatment and for pregnancy loss. [25216/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork to examine the needs of bereaved parents coping with pregnancy loss is being advanced within my Department and officials are currently in the process of commissioning research to explore 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. I hope to have relevant findings from this research by the end of 2022.
Recommendations arising out of this study will help to inform Government policy on this matter, including the development of legislation if required. Any recommendations will be analysed with regard to costs the exchequer and for costs and other impacts on employers.
A Private Member's Bill, the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021, which provides for reproductive health leave is the responsibility of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterpise, Trade and Employment.
