Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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408. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position on the proposed maternity leave directive, COM (2008) 637; her views on the matter with particular reference to the proposed withdrawal of the directive by the European Commission, despite approval by the European Parliament in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14915/15]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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The European Commission launched proposals to amend Maternity Leave Directive 92/85/EEC in October 2008. The European Parliament voted substantial amendments to the Commission's proposals in October 2010. These amendments were opposed by virtually all Member States, including Ireland, on a number of grounds including that they were cost prohibitive and far exceed minimum standards requirement for EU measures.

During the recent Irish Presidency of the European Council, Ireland attempted to broker an acceptable compromise between the Parliament, Commission and Council without success. Similar efforts have also been undertaken by other Presidencies, including the recent Italian Presidency, without success.

It remains a matter for the Commission as to how it progresses its proposal. However at this stage and given the ongoing deadlock, I have agreed in discussions at the Council with the Commission's suggestion that the best course of action may be for the Commission to withdraw the current proposal and submit new updated proposals which greater reflect the requirements and support the participation in the labour force of mothers and fathers of young children.