Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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440. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there are any additional supports in place for expectant mothers who will not be able to meet their mortgage repayments while relying on maternity benefit; if he intends to increase the rates of maternity benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28551/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Maternity Benefit is a payment for employed and self-employed women who are on Maternity Leave from work and who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. It is currently paid at €289 per week for 26 weeks. Any changes to the rate of Maternity Benefit would need to be considered within an overall budgetary context.

There are no specific supports from my department regarding mortgage costs. The most appropriate way for customers experiencing mortgage difficulties is through on-going engagement with their lender to explore a sustainable and appropriate repayment structures with their lending institution.

Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.