Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 142: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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. [12734/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The arrangements for maternity leave within the public bodies under the aegis of my Department are as laid down in the Maternity Protection Act, 1994, the Maternity Protection Act, 1994 (Extension of periods of leave) Order, 2001, and the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004. All employees in the State are entitled to 18 weeks' paid maternity leave and up to eight weeks' unpaid maternity leave.

The provision of additional paid maternity leave is not a matter for consideration by my Department. As the cost to the Exchequer of paid maternity or parental leave depends on the salary of the individual concerned, I am not in a position to give a likely cost.