Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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338. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if financial assistance is in place for families of premature babies in relation to maternity and paternity benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18182/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The maternity and paternity benefit schemes both provide financial assistance to parents of newly born babies, including those born prematurely. The personal rate of payment is €235 per week. Additional allowances may be paid for adult and child dependents.

is a 26 week payment for employed and self-employed pregnant women who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. A woman’s pregnancy must be confirmed by a doctor/medical practitioner after the 24^th week of pregnancy in order to qualify for payment. In the event of a premature birth, still birth or miscarriage occurring after the 24th week of pregnancy, the mother is still entitled to 26 weeks maternity benefit provided she satisfies the PRSI conditions. Once confirmation of a premature birth is received the maternity benefit will then be backdated and payment commences from the date of the birth.

Paternity benefit is a 2 week payment for employed and self-employed people who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. In the event of a premature birth, a stillbirth or miscarriage occurring any time after the 24th week of pregnancy, paternity benefit is payable. In such cases, paternity benefit can be backdated with payment commencing from the date of the premature birth. However, it should be noted that the parent may choose to take the paternity leave at any stage within 26 weeks of the birth of their baby.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.