Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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560. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there is any plan to increase the rate of €289 maternity benefit, considering the rising cost of living, parenthood, and childcare, especially for families with multiple children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37202/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Maternity Benefit is paid for 26 weeks to employed and self-employed women who are on Maternity Leave and who satisfy certain pay related social insurance (PRSI) contributions. Government has provided over €295 million for the scheme in 2025.

Maternity Benefit is payable at the weekly rate of €289 and was increased by €15 from 1 January 2025. If a person has dependants they may be eligible for a higher rate of Maternity Benefit depending on their particular circumstances. In such cases the person will be paid the equivalent rate of Illness Benefit appropriate to their family which includes increases for spouses or partners and children as appropriate. Further information is available on my Department's website.

Any changes to payment rates of Maternity Benefit will be considered in a budgetary context as part of the overall measures for welfare supports.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.