Written answers
Wednesday, 31 March 2021
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Parental Leave
Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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690. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to introduce paid leave for employees who suffer a miscarriage before 24 weeks before which there is currently no statutory paid leave for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17398/21]
Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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728. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has considered introducing the option of paid leave for persons who have suffered a miscarriage or stillbirth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17323/21]
Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 690 and 728 together.
I recognise that miscarriage and stillbirth are very tragic for parents. The Maternity Protection Acts 1994-2004 provide for up to 26 weeks paid maternity leave, and a further 16 weeks unpaid leave for women whose pregnancy has been confirmed by a doctor/medical practitioner after the 24th week of pregnancy. In the event of a stillbirth or miscarriage occurring after the 24th week of pregnancy, the mother is entitled to take her full maternity leave. Paternity leave is also available to the relevant parent in the event of a stillbirth or miscarriage occurring any time after the 24th week of pregnancy.
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