The Programme for Government commits to introducing Pay-Related Parent's Benefit and exploring other payments where a similar model could be applied.
It is worth noting that as of March 2025, Ireland offers the second longest period of maternity leave in the EU, after Bulgaria. While countries such as France and Germany, for example, pay 100% of salary, they only provide for 16 and 14 weeks of maternity leave respectively.
Another example would be Spain which offers 17 weeks of maternity and paternity benefit at 100% of salary, as well as two weeks of the equivalent of parent's benefit for each parents, for a total of 38 weeks, compared to 46 weeks in Ireland.
A pay-related model was introduced on 31 March 2025 for Jobseeker’s Benefit. My Department will draw on the learnings and operational experience from that scheme to inform options for Parent's Benefit and other family leave schemes.
To progress this commitment, I intend to issue a public consultation document on a pay-related approach to Parents' Benefit in the autumn, which will also help to inform decisions about other family and related benefits. This consultation will invite views from the public, employers and stakeholders to support the process and to assist in the development of any future proposals in this area.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
