12. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to confirm the progress that has been made toward introducing statutory paid leave for early pregnancy loss/miscarriage; and when it is envisioned such a scheme would become operational. [66725/26]

Pregnancy loss can be an extremely personal and difficult experience. Despite pregnancy loss occurring in one in four pregnancies, it has for too long been under-recognised within the workplace. Behind the statistic are individuals navigating the difficult experience of pregnancy loss while balancing the demands of work and everyday life.

On 14 July this year I brought the general scheme of the Pregnancy Loss Leave Bill to Cabinet for approval. The Bill will introduce a new statutory entitlement to pregnancy loss leave for employees who experience a pregnancy loss prior to 23 weeks’ gestation. Under existing legislation, maternity leave is available for those who experience a loss from 23 weeks gestation and onwards.

The Bill will provide 5 days of paid leave per year for employees who experience a pregnancy loss prior to 23 weeks gestation. The leave will require medical certification. The Bill will amend the Maternity Protection Act 1994 to provide for the entitlement to leave. The Bill will separately provide for an entitlement to pay while on leave. The payment will be employer paid and will be contingent on a service requirement.

The development of the general scheme was informed by a Government commissioned report, known as the ‘PLACES’ report, which examined pre-viability pregnancy loss in the workplace. The report recommended that a statutory right to paid leave should be introduced for pre-viability pregnancy loss, regardless of the gestational stage or the reason for the loss.

Following Government approval of the general scheme, officials in my Department have commenced engagement with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to progress drafting of the Bill as a priority.

This Bill will strengthen workers rights and support employees during what can be an extremely traumatic time. As we are at the start of the drafting process I cannot specify a date on which the Bill will enter into force at this point. However, I can assure the Deputy and this House that it is my intention to bring the Bill before the Oireachtas for consideration without delay.