Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to ask about the three weeks' additional parental benefit announced in budget 2021. The Tánaiste will know Sinn Féin brought forward a motion to increase maternity leave by 12 weeks in recognition of the impact of Covid-19 on parents, particularly those with newborns. The Government's solution was this increased leave. Any leave is welcome but there is little detail about when parents can actually take it. I understand that legislation is required. Can it be brought forward this year, given the difficulties faced by parents in accessing childcare and needing to return to work? Can the relevant Department publish information in the meantime to allow parents to plan for what this three weeks' additional leave means.

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