I propose to take Questions Nos. 460 and 461 together.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is examining the needs of working parents regarding reproductive health including the issues raised in the Private Member’s Bill, the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021.
At present, under the Maternity Protection Acts, a pregnant employee is entitled to paid time off work to attend ante-natal medical appointments and classes.
Family leave provisions are kept under review to ensure that they are appropriate to the needs of working parents.