1986. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing paid maternity benefit by 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, or 8 weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56676/26]

1987. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of increasing paid paternity benefit by 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, or 8 weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56677/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1986 and 1987 together.

The Department for Children, Disability and Equality has policy and legal responsibility for all family leaves, including any extension to the period of leave under the various schemes.  My Department has responsibility for the associated benefits.

Table: Extra cost by Weeks to the nearest million.

It should be noted that these costings are based on the estimated 2026 annual expenditure figure and the take up of recipient numbers in the first half of 2026 and are subject to change with emerging trends.

Any changes to these schemes would have to be considered in a budgetary context having regard to overall improvements to social welfare schemes and the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.