Up to 43,000 mothers will qualify for an extra four weeks of paid maternity leave from next March under a new a €27 million scheme announced by the Government.
Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan is extending Maternity Benefit entitlements from 22 weeks to 26 on March 1st.
Paid Maternity Leave is currently fixed at 22 weeks, with the option of an additional 12 weeks unpaid leave. However from next March this will increase to 26 weeks with the option of an additional 16 weeks unpaid leave under the National Childcare Strategy 2006-2010.
"Based on the increase in the numbers of women claiming the benefit over the last two years and the growth in Ireland's population, it is estimated that at least 43,000 women will qualify for the extended leave during the year between March 2007 and March 2008," Mr Brennan said.
"This will result in mothers having the best part of a year from when their baby is born to dedicate to those important early months of their child's growth and infant formation." Maternity Benefit was increased in Budget 2006 by over 10 per cent from a minimum of €182.60 per week to a maximum rate of €265.60 per week.
Mr Brennan added: "Overall funding for paid Maternity Leave has more than trebled in recent years, increasing from €58 million in 2000 to an estimated €175 million this year. "Over the same time the length of paid Maternity Leave has increased from 14 weeks in 2000 to 22 weeks this year, extending to 26 weeks from early next year."
The minister pointed out that adequate Maternity Leave is a central element of the Government's overall strategy on childcare, in addition to childcare payments, such as the €1,000 Early Childcare Supplement for all children under 6 years, and an extensive range of creche and other supports.