Leave extended for premature babies’ mothers

Maternity leave is being extended for mothers whose babies are born prematurely. The Government decision will be announced today and is expected to benefit over 4,500 mothers annually.

The initiative — originally recommended by the Green Party— will see extended benefit paid by the State for the period between the actual birth and when the leave would have commenced.

Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty will bring the initiative to Cabinet but it takes effect as of October 1, 2017.