1980. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has undertaken a review of the adequacy of maternity leave supports available to self-employed female farmers; whether additional measures are under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59753/26]

The Department for Children, Disability and Equality has policy and legal responsibility for family leaves. My Department has responsibility for the associated benefits, with a provision of over €301 million for Maternity Benefit for 2026.

Maternity Benefit is a payment for employed and self-employed persons, including farmers, who are on Maternity Leave from work and who satisfy certain PRSI contribution conditions. It is currently paid at €299 per week for 26 weeks. A higher rate may be payable in line with that under Illness Benefit depending on the circumstances of the person.

My Department has not undertaken a review of the adequacy of maternity leave supports available to self-employed female farmers.

The Programme for Government commits to ‘Introduce Pay-Related Parent's Benefit and explore other payments where a similar model could be applied. To progress this commitment, I intend to issue a public consultation document on a pay-related approach to Parents' Benefit seeking the views of all stakeholders. I would welcome the views of self-employed farmers in this regard.