Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 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. [12737/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The arrangements for maternity leave in Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Western Development Commission, Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge and Area Development Management Limited are the same as those available within the Civil Service, that is paid maternity leave for 18 consecutive weeks less social welfare benefit, with an entitlement to an additional eight weeks' unpaid maternity leave.

There are no plans for any further improvements to the Civil Service maternity leave arrangements at present and, as indicated in the preceding paragraphs, these are the arrangements which apply in the bodies referred to.

I am advised that the estimated cost per annum for an additional eight weeks' paid maternity leave in each of the public bodies is as outlined below. These estimates are based on average costs over previous years and are net of social welfare maternity benefit.

The estimated cost per annum of six weeks' paid parental leave based on current take-up is outlined below. It should be noted however that if payment were to be made in respect of parental leave then these costs would be substantially higher due to likely increased numbers availing of this leave.