Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1188. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the analysis that her Department has carried out into increasing the rate of maternity benefit in Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44202/22]
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 in excess of €267 million on Maternity Benefit in respect of an average of 20,290 recipients per week.
The rate of Maternity Benefit is kept under review by the Department of Social Protection taking account of the overall budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
