Written answers

Tuesday, 23 November 2010

Department of Social and Family Affairs

EU Directives

9:00 am

Photo of Deirdre CluneDeirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the implications of the European directive on changes to the provision of pay during maternity leave; the implications for Irish employers and employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43602/10]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The European Parliament proposal to extend maternity leave to 20 weeks and to introduce paternity leave of 2 weeks, both at full pay, falls to be discussed by the Council of Ministers in December 2010. Primary responsibility for this matter rests with the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and my Department is liaising with them on an ongoing basis.

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 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.

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