Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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993. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to extend maternity leave to parents who welcome a child through surrogacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14904/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Social Protection is responsible for the administration of a range of benefits that support parents of new born and young babies.  In all circumstances, entitlement to claim benefit follows on from having an entitlement to the corresponding leave and the legislation covering the different forms of leave are the responsibility of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. 

I am aware that there are cross governmental issues relating to surrogacy that remain to be resolved; these are primarily a matter for the Department of Health and questions in this regard should be addressed to my colleague the Minister for Health. 

Any question relating to maternity, paternity or parents leave entitlements should be directed to my colleague the Minister for  Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. 

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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994. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the supports available to parents who welcome a child through surrogacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14905/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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My Department provides a number of payments for families with children.  While such payments aren't specifically targeted at families that welcome a child through surrogacy, such families may be able to avail of these payments. 

Child Benefit is available to families with children in respect of all qualified children up to the age of 16 years.  The payment continues to be paid in respect of children who are in full-time education, or who have a disability, until their 18th birthday. 

Families on low incomes may be able to avail of Increases for a Qualified Child (IQCs) with primary social welfare payments; the Working Family Payment; or the Back to Work Family Dividend.  The One-Parent Family Payment and Jobseeker's Transition Payment are means tested payments available to those parenting alone who have the main care and charge of at least one qualified child.  

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.