Aisling Dempsey
Question:528. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any plans to increase maternity benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14123/25]
View answerTuesday, 25 March 2025
Questions (528)
Written answers
Maternity Benefit is paid for 26 weeks to employed and self-employed women who are on Maternity Leave and who satisfy certain pay related social insurance (PRSI) contributions.
Maternity rate has been increased in all four previous budgets, bringing Maternity benefit from €245 in 2021 to €289 in 2025, an increase of €54 in four years. Budget 2025 provided a €15 per week increase from 1 January 2025.
The estimated cost of Maternity Benefit for 2025 is €295.294 million.
Changes to payment rates of Maternity Benefit could only be considered in a budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.