Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We had a comprehensive debate on this and there was a unanimous view among colleagues on all sides of the House. The range we focused on at that time was from 24 or 25 weeks up to 37 weeks. In the interests of fairness, there are huge costs associated with premature births. The Minister will be aware that a parent might have to attend one of the specialised neonatal units and may have to travel from Mullingar to Dublin, as well as to look for accommodation. There are many costs involved, and the 26 weeks of maternity leave are utilised, as well as the non-paid term, without the mother getting a chance to bond with the child. This is a very important issue. The money comes from the Minister's pot whereas the legislation will have to be prepared by his colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, and the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton. This is a measure that would be of immense benefit to mothers across Ireland and if the Minister is not able to do it soon, it certainly should be included in the budget in the autumn.

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