2044. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Social Protection the proposed timeline for the publication of the public consultation on pay-related parent's leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57569/26]

2045. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Social Protection the format the consultation process will take in relation to the upcoming public consultation paper on pay-related parents leave scheduled for Autumn 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57570/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2044 and 2045 together.

The Programme for Government commits to introducing Pay-Related Parent's Benefit and exploring other payments where a similar model could be applied.

To progress this commitment, I intend to issue a public consultation paper seeking the views of all stakeholders this year to support the process and assist in the development of any future proposals in this area.

The discussion paper will set out the broad parameters of a possible new approach to pay-related payments. This high-level draft is intended to generate discussion and to prompt suggestions. The features proposed will not be definite but rather they will help interested parties to conceptualise plausible approaches and facilitate a focused debate around key design issues.

I trust this clarifies my position.