Brennan to extend paid maternity leave by four weeks

UP TO 43,000 mothers will qualify for an extra four weeks of paid maternity leave from next March under a €27 million scheme announced by the Government.

Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan is extending maternity benefit entitlements from 22 weeks to 26 from March 1.

Paid maternity leave is currently fixed at 22 weeks, with the option of an additional 12 weeks unpaid leave.