Minister seeking legal advice on statutory paid leave for pregnancy loss

'There is now a shared understanding across Government that pregnancy loss requires a specific, compassionate response,' a cross-party group discussing the legislation has said

A government source said the impact on businesses would be minimal, adding how it would assist public servants who do not currently have access to pregnancy loss leave as well as minimum wage workers. Picture: iStock.

The Government is considering providing women who suffer a pregnancy loss three days of statutory paid leave. It is hoped that such legislation will be progressed before the summer.

Enterprise minister Peter Burke is currently seeking legal advice about the prospect of introducing laws for pregnancy loss leave, government sources indicated.

One government source said that Mr Burke was intent on progressing the law, but wanted to ensure it was done carefully.

The source said the impact on businesses would be minimal, adding how it would assist public servants who do not currently have access to pregnancy loss leave as well as minimum wage workers.

Sinn Féin and Labour have both separately introduced legislation seeking to provide for pregnancy loss leave.

Sinn Féin senator Nicole Ryan introduced legislation on the matter last summer, which would have given up to five days of leave for women who experience a pregnancy loss. It would have also provided their partners with two-and-a-half days' leave.

'Constructive' meetings

While the legislation was introduced in the Seanad, it was delayed 12 months by Mr Burke to allow the Government to bring forward its own proposals.

Following meetings with Mr Burke, a cross-party group established to progress pregnancy loss leave has welcomed progress.

The group, chaired by Ms Ryan, said it has engaged with Mr Burke and the Department of Enterprise in recent months, describing them as “constructive”.

“There is now a shared understanding across Government that pregnancy loss requires a specific, compassionate response. While this work must be progressed carefully, momentum is building, and it is vital that it is maintained,” a statement from the group said.

It added there is a need for “clarity and consistency” for both employees and employers.

The group said progress is also being made towards the introduction of a new pregnancy loss certificate, which would allow women to register their loss with the State.

“This measure is seen as an important step in acknowledging pregnancy loss formally, validating families’ experiences, and supporting access to appropriate workplace and administrative supports in a sensitive and respectful manner,” the group said.

The cross-party group contains TDs and senators from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, and an Independent.

During a debate last summer, a number of senators outlined their experience of going through miscarriage.