Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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759. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she has any intention of taking up the issues arising from the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021, which would give workplace leave in the event of miscarriage or fertility treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25472/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise the enormous, personal impact that pregnancy loss has on expectant parents and I wish to extend my sympathies to all parents who have suffered such a tragic loss.

My officials are examining the findings of a qualitative research study to examine the workplace experiences of parents coping with pregnancy loss with an aim to informing potential supports. The study, ‘PLACES | Pregnancy Loss (under 24 weeks) in Workplaces: Informing Policymakers on Support Mechanisms’, examines whether policy interventions are required at a national level to support these bereaved parents in the workplace. The study focuses on people who experience pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks’ gestation, as people who have a pregnancy loss after 24 weeks’ gestation can avail of full maternity leave and paternity leave entitlements.

Officials in my Department are also in the process of developing the next National Strategy for Women and Girls, and the research will also inform this work. They will also engage with officials in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with regard to the issues raised in the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health) Bill 2021.

Family leave provisions are kept under review to ensure that they are appropriate to the needs of working parents.