Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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1226. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to urgently investigate and allow a pro rata payment of maternity benefit for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59844/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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This claim has been reviewed by Officials from my Department, however the decision to disallow still stands as the customer has no paid PRSI in 2022-2024 and 33 paid PRSI in 2025.

To qualify for Maternity Benefit starting in 2025 a PAYE customer must satisfy one of the following PRSI contribution conditions:

(a) At least 39 paid PRSI contributions in the 12-month period before the first day of your maternity leave (the 12 months immediately prior to the start date)

(b) At least 39 weeks of PRSI paid since first starting work and at least 39 paid or credited PRSI contributions in 2024 – this is Relevant Tax Year +1 (the last full year before claim start date).

(c) At least 39 weeks of PRSI paid since first starting work and at least 39 paid or credited PRSI contributions in 2023 – Relevant Tax Year (the full year 2 years before start date).

(d) At least 26 paid PRSI contributions in 2023 and at least 26 paid PRSI contributions in 2022.

The customer has appealed this decision, and the Appeal is currently with the Appeals Office awaiting a decision.

My Department also provides the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, which is a safety net within the overall social welfare system. It provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose resources are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports provided under the scheme can consist of a basic weekly payment, a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of certain expenses, as well as Additional Needs Payments.

The Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance, subject to a means test, provides assistance for those in need, who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. This means tested assistance is subject to the person having a the right to reside and satisfying the Habitual Residence Condition.

If your constituent believes that they may have an entitlement to the Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance they should contact their local community welfare service. There is a national Community Welfare contact centre - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.