Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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43. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will legislate to end the situation whereby maternity leave taken by female members of the Defence Forces is not reckonable for pension purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39825/16]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Female members of the Permanent Defence Force are entitled to take maternity leave in the same way as all other employees in the State.

Defence Forces Regulations specifically provide for 26 weeks paid maternity leave and 16 weeks additional unpaid maternity leave for Permanent Defence Force personnel.

I can confirm that the 26 consecutive weeks’ maternity leave with pay and allowances reckons as qualifying service for pension purposes for Permanent Defence Force personnel.

On the expiration of paid maternity leave, up to 16 consecutive weeks additional maternity leave without pay and allowances may be taken.  This unpaid leave does not reckon for pension purposes.

The foregoing arrangements are the same as for all other public servants. They are also in accordance with the relevant legislation governing maternity leave. Any amendments to that legislation would be a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality.