Seanad Éireann supports extension of Maternity Leave – Doherty

Seanad Éireann has given its full support to the extension of maternity leave for mothers whose babies were born during the Covid-19 pandemic, Senator Regina Doherty has said.

Senator Doherty said support for the measure was agreed on Tuesday following calls from parents’ groups and from Senators across the Chamber.

The recently-appointed Leader of Seanad Éireann said, “The underlying reason for seeking this extension is the difficulty many parents are experiencing in finding suitable childcare that would enable a return to work.

“The reduced creche places arising from the current Covid-19 related restrictions is proving challenging for many.

“In addition, many babies have not yet been able to avail of their normal public health checks, inoculations or indeed have not been sufficiently socialised to enable their parents to leave them in the care of another person at this stage.

“Should legislation underpinning any proposed extension to the current entitlements be necessary, I, as Leader of the Upper House, have written to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin to assure the Government of the full cooperation of the Seanad.

“I also informed him that the house is prepared to sit at any time to enable the passage of any proposed changes.

“Last month, the National Women’s Council submitted a petition supporting an extension to Maternity Leave and Benefit by three months to the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, due to the impact Covid-19 had on new mothers.

“An Taoiseach Micheál Martin told the Dáil earlier this week that this matter is being examined by the Government and that consultation is taking place between the relevant Ministers and Departments.

“He told the Dáil that it is the Government’s intention to do the right thing but to do so in a considered way and in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. It is estimated that around 24,500 women would be affected by any proposed changes.

“I am also pleased that the Programme for Government contains clear commitments to improving maternity leave, paternity leave, in addition to a wider strategy designed to improve the quality of life of mothers, particularly after their babies are born,” Senator Doherty concluded.