Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1187. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the analysis that her Department has carried out into extending payment of maternity benefit beyond the current 26 weeks, particularly in view of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44201/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaternity Benefit is a payment made to women who are on maternity leave from work or who are self-employed and who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. Maternity Benefit is paid for 26 weeks at a rate of €250 per week. In 2022, it is estimated that my Department will spend approximately €267 million on Maternity Benefit.
The question of extending the duration of maternity leave would, in the first instance, be a matter for consideration by my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. My Department has responsibility for the payment of any associated Maternity Benefit which is provided for in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended).
Decisions around the extension of this benefit would have to be considered in a budgetary context and the impact it would have on employers.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
