Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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143. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which consideration has been given to the extension of maternity leave for expectant mothers that have been diagnosed with cancer with a view to alleviating the impact of the diagnosis during their pregnancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13635/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The Maternity Protection Acts 1994-2004 provide for up to 26 weeks paid maternity leave, and a further 16 weeks unpaid leave. Where a child is born prematurely, additional weeks may be available.

There is a provision within the Maternity Protection Acts to allow for the termination of additional unpaid maternity leave in the event of sickness of the mother. If a mother becomes ill while on additional maternity leave, they may ask their employer if they can end the additional leave. Subject to the employer's agreement, this absence will then be treated as sick leave and the employee may qualify for illness benefit. However, the additional maternity leave cannot be taken after the illness.

The provision of maternity and illness benefits falls under the remit of the Minister for Social Protection.

The Government has no plans to make any further amendments to maternity leave.