Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to a new EU Directive which proposes to give an employee full pay for 20 weeks when on maternity leave and if he will indicate his views on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42968/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand the Deputy is referring to a current European Parliament proposal to extend maternity leave to 20 weeks and to introduce paternity leave of 2 weeks, both at full pay.

Ireland has been generally supportive of EU initiatives to enhance the minimum level of protection for pregnant workers and is committed to supporting gender equality and ensuring there is a high participation by women in the labour force. In this context it may be noted that current national provisions extend well beyond the current minimum requirements at EU level of 14 weeks for maternity leave. Maternity leave of 26 weeks is provided for, during which maternity benefit may be paid at the rate of between €225 and €270 per week. A further 16 weeks unpaid maternity leave may also be taken.

The issues now fall to be discussed by the Council of Ministers. In this regard, the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, with whom primary responsibility in this area rests, and my department are liaising on ongoing basis.