Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Social Protection his views on the European Parliament's recommendation to extend EU maternity leave to 20 weeks on full pay and to introduce two weeks of paid paternity leave and if he will take steps to move Ireland in this direction. [43771/10]

Éamon 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, will be discussed by the Council of Ministers in December 2010. In this regard, the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, who has primary responsibility in this area is liaising with my department. 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. 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.