Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
206. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the adequacy of existing supports for single mothers in the weeks and months after giving birth; if any review of the State support structures can be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12937/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra207. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the adequacy of support services available to single mothers compared with those for two-parent families, particularly during pregnancy and the early months of their child's life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12941/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
Maternity Benefit is a payment made for 26 weeks to employed and self-employed women, who are eligible for Maternity Leave. The current standard rate is €299 per week as announced as part of Budget 2026, although a person may be eligible for a higher rate of payment aligned with that on Illness Benefit depending on their circumstances. The Government has allocated €301 million to the scheme for 2026, reflecting its commitment to supporting parents during maternity leave.
A New Baby Grant?of €280 is paid in addition to the first month of?Child Benefit for children born or adopted on or after 1 December 2024.
In addition, my Department provides Health and Safety Benefit which may be payable during pregnancy at the standard weekly rate of €254 where a person may be exposed to risk in the workplace.
Parent's Benefit is available which provides nine weeks payment to each parent of a child aged under two years at the standard weekly rate of €299. This support is not transferable between parents in line with EU legislative requirements.
A number of employers top up their employee’s wages while they are on Maternity Benefit or Parent's Benefit. These arrangements are discretionary private contractual arrangements agreed between employers and employees and are outside the realm of Social Welfare legislation.
My Department also operates the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, which provides a safety net for those whose resources are insufficient to meet their needs. If an individual believes they may qualify for Supplementary Welfare Allowance, they should contact the Department.
The Programme for Government commits to ‘Introduce Pay-Related Parent's Benefit and explore other payments where a similar model could be applied.’ My Department will draw on the operational experience and learnings from the first year implementation of Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit, introduced on 31 March 2025, to inform the development of a pay-related approach for Parent's Benefit and other schemes. I intend to issue a public consultation document later in the year to support this process and to assist in the development of any future proposals.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
