14. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Social Protection for an update on the programme for Government commitment to introduce pay-related parents benefit and explore other payments where a similar model could be applied. [15142/26]

Sentiment score: 0.23

I am seeking an update on the commitment to introduce pay-related parent's benefit and potentially others. I am doing so because Government policies are not joined-up enough when it comes to new parents whose babies are in their first year of life. These parents can find themselves in a catch 22 situation where they either want to stay at home but cannot afford to do so or want to go back to work and cannot source childcare for babies under 12 months of age. The large majority of OECD countries are using earnings-related payments. We seem to be an outlier. We can do more to support parents of children who are in their first year from the point of view of both child development and family well-being.

Sentiment score: 0.21

That is really encouraging, particularly as we in Ireland are above average when it comes to the length of time we can spend at home with our new babies on foot of maternity and parent's benefit. As stated, we are below average when it comes to the financial supports to do so. As the Minister indicated, pay-related jobseeker's benefit is working very well and is a model that could be applied in this instance. I cannot emphasise enough how important the first year of a baby's life is for both the baby and the parents. As a mother, it changes you - your body, your brain formation and your identity. There is a term for it, "matrescence", and it does not get the attention it deserves. We are still behind the curve when it comes to family leave. In most countries, maternity benefit replaces at least half of a person's wages but that does not happen here.

Sentiment score: 0.28

I am really looking forward to engaging in the public consultation. The figures are important. According to the OECD, payments are lowest in Ireland and the UK, where less than one third of gross average earnings are replaced by maternity benefit. Countries such as Lithuania, Austria, France and Germany have benefits based on past incomes. We have a high percentage of maternity leave employer top-ups. In 2021, the most recent year in respect of which I could obtain figures, about 70% of women received a top-up. However, that leaves one third of women relying on maternity benefit. I do not think it is a coincidence that one third of women are not availing of their nine weeks of parental leave. We also have a major issue when it comes to fathers. About 55% of men are taking paternity leave and it drops to 25% when it comes to parental leave. Families are missing out. Ireland can do more here. if you look at countries such as Finland, they have extended leave coupled with lower rates so there is a trade-off. In Ireland, we get above average in terms of time but we are not getting the financial supports. It is really impacting parents with babies who are in their first year in the context of the choices they can make.

Sentiment score: 0.07