William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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165. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if he will introduce statutory leave entitlements for those undergoing fertility treatment such as IVF, and for those who experience early miscarriage, in light of the emotional, physical and financial burden involved; if he will support the passage and implementation of the Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021, which proposes dedicated leave of ten days for fertility treatment and 20 days for early miscarriage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34573/25]

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. I am also conscious of the pressures that are experienced by those undergoing fertility treatment.

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.