Written answers
Thursday, 1 April 2021
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Maternity Leave
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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251. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on making maternity leave available for persons who have a miscarriage before the 24th week of pregnancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18034/21]
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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252. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on providing parent’s leave to parents who have a miscarriage or stillbirth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18035/21]
Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 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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