Written answers
Thursday, 13 November 2025
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Social Welfare Benefits
Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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135. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to confirm that consideration will be given to introducing a pay-related maternity benefit, based on the woman’s current earnings so that they do not experience a sudden drop in income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62177/25]
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government commits to ‘Introduce Pay-Related Parent's Benefit and explore other payments where a similar model could be applied.’ While the initial focus is on Parent’s Benefit, the development of this scheme will help to inform the considerations around extension of a pay-related approach for other family leave benefits.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
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