Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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463. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if her Department will consider introducing miscarriage leave for those who have experienced a miscarriage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31609/25]

Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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464. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if her Department will consider introducing miscarriage leave for those who have experienced a pregnancy, miscarriage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31610/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 463 and 464 together.

I recognise the enormous impact that pregnancy loss has on expectant parents, and I wish to extend my sympathies to all parents who have suffered such a loss.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth commissioned a qualitative research study to examine the workplace experiences of parents coping with pregnancy loss. 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.

The research report has been published and the recommendations are being considered by Department officials with a view to determining Government policy in respect of this issue. The Equality and Family Leaves (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is listed for priority drafting in the Government Legislation Programme and it is proposed that this Bill would be used to bring forward any legislative proposals.

Officials in the Department are also in the process of developing the next National Strategy for Women and Girls, and the research will also inform this work.