Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will speak to the two amendments together. Regarding extending parents' leave and benefit, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has lead responsibility for parents' leave policy. I have responsibility for making the payments. Parents' leave and benefit are available to eligible parents within the first two years following the birth or adoption of a child. An extension to parents' leave and benefits by two weeks to nine weeks per parent was introduced from 1 August 2024. I cannot ask my officials to do a report on an area where I do not have policy responsibility. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth would have to do that report.

Regarding introducing a parental bereavement leave and benefit scheme, it would be acknowledged by all in the House that a stillbirth is a tragedy and a profound loss to a family. The Government recognises the need to support parents who find themselves in these tragic circumstances and it is important that people know there is already support available through the maternity and paternity benefit schemes to parents who experience a stillbirth. I recently brought forward legislation that changes the definition of a "stillbirth" to include a pregnancy loss that occurs after the 23rd week of pregnancy or where the birth weight is at least 400 g. These changes took effect from 16 September this year. Following a stillbirth, a mother is entitled to her full maternity leave and benefit as if that baby had arrived. The payments are for 26 weeks and in the case of paternity benefit for two weeks. Assuming all of the other qualifying conditions are met, both payments are payable in the case of a stillbirth any time after the 23rd week of pregnancy. That is from the beginning of the 24th week or where the birth weight is at least 400 g. The Senator will appreciate why I do not want to do another report on this issue.