Maternity Bill pushes for parents’ rights
The Bill is set to give effect to the outstanding recommendations of the working group on the review and improvement of the maternity protection legislation, which was published in February, 2001.
It includes:
* Provision for expectant mothers to attend one set of ante-natal classes without loss of pay and a once-off right to fathers to paid time off to attend the two ante-natal classes immediately prior to the birth.
* Provisions for breast-feeding mothers who have given birth in the previous 4 months with an entitlement - without loss of pay - to either an adjustment of working hours, or where breast-feeding facilities are provided by the employer, breast-feeding breaks.
* Provision for an employee to postpone the period of maternity leave/additional leave (subject to the agreement of the employer) in the event of the hospitalisation of the child.
* Provision that an employee’s absence from work on additional maternity leave will count for all employment rights associated with the employment (except remuneration and superannuation benefits) such as seniority and annual leave.
According to the Justice, Equality and Law Reform Minister of State Willie O’Dea, the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill will implement the remaining recommendations of the Working Group.
“The Bill will enhance our maternity protection legislation and is a key statutory component of the Work/Life Balance Programmes to which this Government is committed under Sustaining Progress plans,” Mr O’Dea said.
However, the Bill does not satisfy those who believe Ireland’s parental leave is inadequate. While parents of newborns are entitled to 14 weeks parental leave, this is unpaid. In comparison, parents of newborns in eight other European countries receive up to 75% of their pay.
The Equality Authority here has also urged the Government to improve parental leave entitlements.
