Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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1888. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the programme for Government’s commitment to introduce paid surrogacy leave, including the expected timelines and details of any work undertaken, to date in 2025. [44862/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1900. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason public sector workers face discrimination and inequalities in terms of paid surrogacy leave in comparison with their private sector counterparts; and if she will make a statement on the matter (details supplied). [45084/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1888 and 1900 together.

I wish to acknowledge the challenges faced by couples pursuing surrogacy arrangements and reaffirm Government's commitment to recognising and supporting Irish families in all their diversity.

The Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland's Future commits to introducing paid surrogacy leave and my officials are examining how best to implement this commitment. They are also engaging with officials from the Department of Social Protection as the Minister for Social Protection has responsibility for the payment of any associated benefits.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Minister for Health leads on the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024, which includes provisions in relation to surrogacy which have implications for the introduction of surrogacy leave, while policy on parentage is a matter for the Minister for Justice. It is not possible to finalise provisions in relation to surrogacy leave in advance of the commencement of that Act as it will determine who is to be recognise as a parent when a child is born through a surrogacy arrangement.

Decisions on the date of commencement of the 2024 Act are matters for the Minister for Health. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will work closely with relevant Departments, once the 2024 Act has commenced, to progress proposals for surrogacy leave.