Written answer
Social Welfare Benefits
2005. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department is considering changes to the criteria for eligibility for a maternity benefit payment (details supplied); if there are any exceptions to this qualifying criteria such as where the applicant was unable to take up employment due to concerns for the wellbeing of the unborn child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60086/26]
Comment on this
2072. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department is aware of the potential implications for mothers of complicated pregnancies who are applying for maternity benefit (details supplied); the plans to safeguard expectant mothers in such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60089/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2005 and 2072 together.
The Department for Children, Disability and Equality has policy and legal responsibility for family leaves, including Maternity Leave. My Department has responsibility for the associated benefit, with a provision of over €301 million for Maternity Benefit in 2026.
Maternity Benefit is a statutory payment made for 26 weeks to employed and self-employed women who have a certain number of paid PRSI contributions on their social insurance record.
To qualify for Maternity Benefit, a claimant must be on leave from her employment and submit a medical certificate issued no earlier than 16 weeks prior to the due date. Any change to the eligibility conditions for the maternity leave would have to be considered by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
In cases where the mother’s employment is not suitable during her pregnancy and her employer cannot provide a suitable alternative, she may be entitled to Health and Safety Leave and Benefit prior to taking maternity leave. Alternatively, if there are concerns about the health of the mother, she may be eligible for Illness Benefit.
If the Deputy has a particular case, he should forward the details to my Department, which will consider the specific case in question.