Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Defence the arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of his Department; if he will consider providing an additional eight weeks' paid leave in regard to maternity leave; the likely cost thereof; the likely cost to the Exchequer of six weeks' paid parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12741/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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All civil servants in public bodies under the aegis of my Department are entitled to 18 weeks' paid maternity leave as provided for in Department of Finance Circulars 35/95 and 09/01. I understand that at present there are no plans to provide an additional eight weeks' paid leave in respect of maternity leave. The cost of additional paid maternity leave would depend on the number and grades of personnel who might avail of such leave.