Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

394. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to implement the recommendations of the 2024 PLACES report commissioned by her Department on pregnancy loss. [52791/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I recognise that pregnancy loss is a tragedy which takes an enormous toll on expectant parents.

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 was published on 26 January 2024.  The recommendations arising from this study are being considered by Department officials in conjunction with officials in the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, with a view to determining Government policy in respect of this issue. 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.