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For Written Answer on : 08/05/2024
Question Number(s): 425 Question Reference(s): 20191/24
Department: Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION

* To ask the Minister for Children; Equality; Disability; Integration and Youth when he intends to introduce the Heads of Bill to legislate for working mothers who get cancer in pregnancy, or postpartum, and are subsequently forced to use up their maternity leave while getting treated for and recovering from a cancer diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– David Stanton T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 8 May, 2024.

 

REPLY

The Maternity Protection Act 1994 and the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004 provide a pregnant employee with six months of paid maternity leave and an additional 16 weeks of unpaid leave. All forms of family leave are kept under review to ensure that they are effective in supporting families and children.

 

In October I announced plans to introduce legislation to allow women undergoing treatment for cancer or other serious illnesses postpone their maternity leave.

 

It is planned to bring this forward together with a number of amendments arising out of my Department’s review of Ireland’s equality legislation. My officials are finalising these proposals and I intend to bring them to Cabinet for approval in the coming weeks.