Self-employed benefits and parental leave
Deputy O'Dea asks when legislation for jobseeker's benefit and parental benefit for the self-employed will appear, and criticises the Government's reversal on unpaid parental leave. The Minister says the legislation is being drafted, while the Justice Minister says the parental leave Bill is before the Seanad and should not be discussed here.
When can we expect to see the legislation to extend jobseeker's and parental benefit to the self-employed? Will the Tánaiste also explain the Government's U-turn on extending unpaid parental leave? The Government initially supported legislation to do that proposed by Deputy Shortall. There is no cost involved for the State but now, at the last minute, as the legislation is about to complete its passage through the Houses, the Government has decided to oppose it.
Comment on this
Legislation for jobseeker's benefit for the self-employed and paid parental leave is being drafted. I expect to bring the legislation to Cabinet during the next couple of weeks or months. Those pieces of legislation, however, need to be passed by the Houses, probably before the summer or September, because we anticipate both of the schemes going live and being active in quarter 4 of this year. On the-----
Comment on this
The extension of unpaid parental leave.
Comment on this
On the second issue raised by Deputy O'Dea, on proposed parental leave, that matter is on the Order Paper of the Upper House. In accordance with long-standing tradition and conventions, it would be inappropriate for this House to discuss it. I understand there are ongoing issues that are the subject of discussions between the parties in the Seanad.