Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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20. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason he decided to include absence due to pregnancy-related illness as sick leave under the public service sick leave scheme; and his views on the discriminatory impact this will have on women workers and their health. [29516/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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As I set out in detail in my responses to other questions on this specific issue, the need to protect women during pregnancy and ensure that they are not discriminated against is a priority that has been strongly reflected in the design of the new sick leave scheme.  The new scheme operates its provisions for pregnancy-related illness in accordance with the principles of European law in relation to non-discrimination against pregnant workers. Furthermore, additional protections are in place through the less restricted use of the extended sick pay awarded under the Critical illness Protocol in cases of pregnancy related illness.

In these ways, the new Public Service Sick Leave Scheme recognises the distinct position of the pregnant worker and makes provision for the protection of the health and welfare of such workers.