Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question. I am conscious that Deputy Bríd Smith raised this with the outgoing Taoiseach, now Tánaiste, Deputy Leo Varadkar, some time ago in the context of the significant impact on women, particularly those on maternity leave, that Covid-19 has had, especially with regard to access to the normal supports such as childcare, baby groups and so on that was denied to mothers during this critical period.

Admhaím go bhfuil agus go raibh brú ar na mná sin filleadh i gcomhthéacs an coróinvíreas. Níl aon amhras gur sin an scéal agus tá an Rialtas ag déanamh scrúdú ar an gceist, ach níl sí simplí. Tá an-chuid laistigh den cheist, agus tá roinnt le déanamh fós, go háirithe ó thaobh réiteach na ceiste.

The Department of Justice and Equality has policy responsibility for maternity leave while the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection pays the benefit. This matter is being examined by the Government and there is consultation between the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Minister for Justice and Equality, although that Department is breaking up, and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

The retrospective nature of what is proposed may create legal and policy difficulties. For example, some of the women who have exhausted their maternity benefit are now back at work or on the pandemic unemployment payment. Other stakeholders are involved and there will be consultation with other stakeholders on this, particularly employers who are facing challenges with Covid-19. In that context, I spoke to the Ministers yesterday. They are engaged in consultations on this issue. It is our intention to come back with a very considered response on the issue shortly and to deal with the matters I have outlined to the Deputy.

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