Fine Gael promise pay-related parent benefits in election manifesto

Under Fine Gael’s proposals, the rate of parents benefit will be more closely aligned to a mother or father’s income in an effort to encourage them to 'spend valuable time with their newborn children'

Retiring Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys told the Dáil she would like to see maternity benefit linked to a new mother's previous rate of pay as she brought forward legislation which will see those who lose their jobs paid €450 per week in social protection. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

Fine Gael will pledge to link maternity and paternity benefits with earnings in its election manifesto.

A key plank of the party's children's platform to be unveiled on Wednesday is the introduction of pay-related parents benefit.