Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

352. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if his department has examined how existing maternity and illness benefit schemes could be extended or adapted to provide income support to workers who experience pregnancy loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62424/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Pregnancy loss is a tragedy and the difficulties that parents and families experience as a result cannot be overstated. The Government recognises the need to support parents who find themselves in these tragic circumstances.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has legal and policy responsibility for the introduction and extension of family-related leaves. The Department of Social Protection has responsibility for the associated benefits.

Under Section 47 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, a woman may qualify for Maternity Benefit in the event of a stillbirth or miscarriage. As defined in the Civil Registration Act 2004, a stillbirth is recognised as a loss occurring from the 24th week of pregnancy or where the baby weighs at least 400 grammes. In such cases, the woman is entitled to 26 weeks of Maternity Leave and Benefit, provided she satisfies the relevant contribution conditions. An additional 16 weeks unpaid leave is also available in these cases.

My Department also provides income supports to individuals unable to work due to illness or disability. Eligibility is based on the impact of the condition on a person’s capacity to work, rather than the specific nature of the illness. Illness Benefit is the main short-term support for those temporarily unable to work due to illness.